Why You’re Waking Up Between 1 and 3 A.M. & What Your body Might Be trying to Tell You
Have you ever found yourself wide awake between 1 and 3 a.m., night after night, staring at the ceiling, mind racing, body restless?
Many of the women I work with, whether they come for Reiki, herbal support, or emotional healing, mention this exact pattern. And more often than not, this mysterious wake-up call is actually a message from your body.
Let’s explore what it really means, and how you can bring your body, mind, and spirit back into a more restful sleep pattern.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Body Clock: Your Liver’s healing Time
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, every organ in the body has a 2-hour window in the 24-hour cycle when it is most active. Between 1 and 3 a.m., your liver is at its peak.
The liver in TCM isn’t just about filtering toxins, it’s also the energetic powerhouse that governs:
Detoxification
The smooth flow of Qi (life force)
Unprocessed emotions, especially anger, frustration, and resentment
If you’re consistently waking during this window, your liver may be asking for some extra support.
My Own Wake-Up Call: Wine, the Liver & a Nightly Pattern
Many years ago, I used to wake up almost every night between 1 and 3 a.m., fully alert and unable to get back to sleep. Back then, I had a glass or two of wine in the evenings to relax and unwind from a busy day.
One day I realised the connection... that alcohol is a stimulant, and even though it makes us sleepy at first, it ramps up the liver’s detox activity just when we should be in deep, restorative sleep.
As the liver worked overtime to process the alcohol, those stimulating compounds re-entered my bloodstream, giving my nervous system a jolt, just as my body was trying to rest, release toxins and heal.
When I reduced (and eventually stopped) my wine habit, that 1–3 a.m. wake-up? It stopped. My body finally had the space to rest, heal, and restore.
But It’s Not Just Physical; The Liver & Emotional Connection
In energetic and emotional healing, the liver is the seat of anger.
That doesn’t mean you have to be yelling or raging. Anger often hides in the shadows as:
Resentment
Frustration
Bitterness
Unspoken words or boundaries
Old grief that’s calcified over time
If you’re holding onto these emotions, they can create congestion in the liver meridian, just like a physical toxin. Your body may wake you up during liver time as a signal that it is trying to let something go.
Holistic Ways to Support Your Liver: Mind, Body & Soul
When working with clients who have insomnia, wake often in the night, especially between 1 and 3 a.m., we take a whole-person approach. Here’s how you can begin to support yourself, too:
1. Physical Detox Support
Reduce or eliminate alcohol
Add liver-supporting herbs like dandelion root, milk thistle, or schisandra (personalised herbal blends from a qualified Herbalist/Naturopath are the best!)
Stay hydrated. Start the morning with a big glass of water to aid in detoxing.
Eat light, nourishing dinners to reduce liver load
2. Energetic & Emotional Healing
Book a Reiki session or intuitive energy healing to clear liver meridian blockages
Journal or reflect on unspoken anger, resentment, or boundaries needing attention
Work with Bach Flower Remedies like Holly (anger) or Willow (resentment)
3. Spiritual Practice
Tune in during this sacred wake-up window. Meditate. Breathe. Ask your body what it needs.
Use this time as a gateway into deep healing, rather than a source of frustration.
It’s Not Just About Sleep, It’s About Self-Connection
Waking between 1 and 3 a.m. isn’t a flaw in your system—it’s a signal from your body’s wisdom.
Your liver might be overwhelmed by physical toxins, or emotions you've carried silently for too long. Either way, the body is sending you a message for support, release, and realignment.
If you are having challenges with your sleep patterns, I invite you to reach out.
Let’s look at what your body is saying, through the lens of holistic healing, and support your liver, your emotions, and help you return to balance.
Ready to Reclaim Restful Sleep & Emotional Freedom?
Book a 1:1 Healing Session, or let’s explore a personalised herbal protocol to support your liver and energy field.
Book your personalised holistic healing session today:
www.sherylhockey.com.au/book
Together, we’ll release the old, cleanse what’s stuck, and awaken your natural rhythm of rest, healing, and wholenes