According to Chinese medicine, it’s not only how much sleep you get that matters, but also when you get it. A bedtime of 10:30pm (at the latest) is advised.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body clock reflects the times when there is maximum energy and activity in particular organs. For example, the liver and gallbladder have the role of detoxification, and do their biggest work between 10pm to 2am while you “FALL ASLEEP.” Think of it like our community garbage day that happens only once per week between certain times, with just 2 bags allowed. If you miss the window, your home will pile up with waste. Our body works the same way. If we don’t sleep between 10pm to 2am, we will miss our body detox time.

It is important to be asleep by 11pm when the Liver and Gallbladder start to regulate qi, process emotions, balance hormones and detoxify the body.