Sleep Disorders: Phrases for TCM Sleep Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers various treatments for sleep disorders, often addressing the underlying imbalance in the body that causes insomnia or poor sleep. The following are simple dialogue-based phrases that might be used in a TCM clinic.

Scene 1: Discussing Sleep Problems

Patient:


Doctor, I have trouble falling asleep.

医生，我入睡有困难。

Yīshēng, wǒ rùshuì yǒu kùnnán.

Doctor:


How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?

你通常需要多长时间才能入睡？

Nǐ tōngcháng xūyào duō cháng shíjiān cáinéng rùshuì?

Patient:


It takes me about an hour or more.

我通常需要一个小时或更长时间。

Wǒ tōngcháng xūyào yī ge xiǎoshí huò gèng cháng shíjiān.

Scene 2: Waking Up Frequently

Patient:


I wake up several times during the night.

我夜里会醒来好几次。

Wǒ yèlǐ huì xǐnglái hǎo jǐ cì.

Doctor:


Do you feel restless or anxious when you wake up?

你醒来时会感到不安或焦虑吗？

Nǐ xǐnglái shí huì gǎndào bù'ān huò jiāolǜ ma?

Patient:


Yes, especially around 3 AM.

是的，尤其是凌晨三点左右。

Shì de, yóuqí shì língchén sān diǎn zuǒyòu.

Scene 3: Feeling Tired During the Day

Patient:


I feel tired during the day because of poor sleep.
因为睡不好，我白天总是很累。

Yīnwèi shuì bù hǎo, wǒ báitiān zǒng shì hěn lèi.

Doctor:


Let’s use acupuncture to help balance your energy.

我们来通过针灸来调节你的气血平衡。

Wǒmen lái tōngguò zhēnjiǔ lái tiáojié nǐ de qìxuè pínghéng.

Scene 4: Herbal Remedies for Sleep

Patient:


Can herbal medicine help me sleep better?

中药能帮助我睡得更好吗？

Zhōngyào néng bāngzhù wǒ shuì de gèng hǎo ma?

Doctor:


Yes, I’ll prepare a formula that calms the mind and body.

可以，我会配一种安神的药方。

Kěyǐ, wǒ huì pèi yī zhǒng ānshén de yàofāng.