The concept of "Subu Sleep" refers to going to bed at the exact time of Zi (11 pm to 1 am) and Wu (11 am to 1 pm). The main principle is "deep sleep at Zi, short nap at Wu". According to traditional Chinese medicine, Zi and Wu are the times when yin and yang alternate, and it is beneficial for nourishing yin and yang to have a good sleep during these time periods.
Zi is the period from 11 pm to 1 am, when yin energy is at its peak and yang energy is weak. "When yang energy is exhausted, one should rest." Sleeping during this time period has the best effect on rest and sleep quality, and can yield twice the result with half the effort. Wu is the period from 11 am to 1 pm, when yang energy is at its peak and yin energy is weak. "When yin energy is exhausted, one should sleep." Therefore, it is also recommended to sleep during Wu. However, work efficiency is usually highest when yang energy is abundant, so a short nap of about half an hour is sufficient. Sleeping for too long during the afternoon can disrupt the body's biological clock and affect sleep at night.
Compared to women, men often face greater work pressure, especially those engaged in mental labor. They often neglect to sleep on time and indulge in nightlife, missing the opportunity to take a Subu Sleep. This can easily lead to sleep disorders, hinder physical and mental recovery, and eventually result in suboptimal health. Therefore, it is advisable for men to take more Subu Sleep and pay attention to the following points: keep warm even when the weather is hot during sleep, avoid resting in drafty areas, avoid eating greasy food before bed as it increases blood viscosity. Also, it is important not to nap casually, such as sitting or lying on a desk, as it can affect blood circulation to the head and cause dizziness and fatigue upon waking up. It is recommended to lie flat or sleep on the side.
