How does modern medicine explain this phenomenon? What Donguibogam describes as 'dual deficiency of qi and blood' can be interpreted in modern medical terms as 'hypofunction of the nervous system and endocrine system caused by chronic sleep deprivation and stress.' In particular, sleepless nights, the resulting fatigue, and a foggy head clearly demonstrate the destructive effects of sleep deprivation on our brain and body.
When we lack sleep at night, the brain loses the opportunity to recover properly. The brain actively produces metabolic byproducts while functioning during the day, and the vital process of clearing these wastes takes place during sleep. The glymphatic system, in which cerebrospinal fluid circulates between brain tissues to wash away waste products, operates actively while we sleep. However, when sleep is insufficient, this system cannot function properly, leading to the accumulation of toxic proteins and metabolic waste in the brain, which can cause cognitive hypofunction. Just like a clogged drain making everything murky, the brain becomes congested, resulting in the phenomenon known as brain fog. This is precisely why concentration declines, memory impairment occurs, and even judgment becomes impaired.
Furthermore, sleep profoundly influences the autonomic nervous system, which acts as the body's control tower. Sleep deprivation causes excessive hyperactivity of the sympathetic nerve, keeping the body in a constant state of tension, while the activity of the parasympathetic nerve declines. It is like constantly pressing the car accelerator while the brakes are broken. This imbalance causes an increased heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, and muscle tension, which frequently lead to chronic fatigue headaches. In particular, tension in the muscles around the head and neck impedes blood circulation and affects the oxygen supply to the brain, worsening the headache.
Hormonal imbalance cannot be overlooked either. When sleep is lacking, the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol is not properly regulated. When cortisol—which should provide energy during the day and drop at night—is secreted irregularly, one experiences chronic fatigue and a further disrupted sleep cycle. Abnormalities also arise in the secretion of melatonin, which induces sleep, and serotonin, the happiness hormone, repeating a vicious cycle of deepened depression, anxiety, and insomnia. All these processes run parallel to the continuous depletion and exhaustion of our body's qi and blood.
In conclusion, sleepless nights and aching heads should not be casually dismissed with 'I am just tired.' They are emergency rescue signals sent by our brain and a strong warning that the balance of the entire body is collapsing. When the brain fails to function properly and the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system begin to falter, daily quality of life drops significantly, and over the long term, it can lead to more serious health problems such as decreased immunity. Isn't it remarkable how insightfully Donguibogam's expression of 'dual deficiency of qi and blood' captures the complex physiological processes of modern medicine? Now is the time to listen closely to the signals your body is sending and take care of yourself.
