Translating the Donguibogam concept of the spirit into modern medicine shows close links to neurotransmitters, hormonal balance, and autonomic nervous system regulation. Struggling to sleep night after night can be clear evidence that this delicate balance has been disrupted. Sleep does far more than rest the body; it is an essential process during which the brain clears metabolic waste accumulated throughout the day and reorganizes memories. When this process is interrupted, serious health problems can follow.
Central to this process is the sleep hormone melatonin. As darkness falls, it begins secreting from the pineal gland, signaling to the body that it is time to sleep. Excessive exposure to bright light, especially blue light from smartphones, televisions, and computers, or irregular daily routines suppresses melatonin secretion, making it hard to fall asleep. Much like Donguibogam describes the spirit wandering instead of returning to its dwelling, the brain is tricked into thinking night is still a time to stay awake.
Insomnia is also deeply tied to stress. Chronic stress prompts the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, a hormone that maintains arousal. When cortisol levels stay elevated at night, the body behaves as if facing an emergency, overactivating the sympathetic nervous system. This can lead to sleep-onset insomnia, where falling asleep is difficult, or sleep maintenance insomnia, where one wakes repeatedly throughout the night. A racing heart and crowded thoughts reflect an unsettled heart and a hyperactive sympathetic state.
Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA, and serotonin also play a major role in insomnia. GABA calms brain activity to encourage relaxation and sleep, while serotonin regulates mood and acts as a precursor to melatonin. When they do not function properly, the brain struggles to rest day or night. As these factors interact, sleepless nights accumulate, eventually leading beyond simple fatigue to decreased immunity, low mood, and cognitive decline, which is why chronic sleep issues should never be ignored.
