Current Status and Research Progress of Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment for Insomnia
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine Research DOI: 10.32629/jcmr.v7i2.5334
Abstract
Insomnia, characterized by insufficient sleep duration and depth, difficulty falling asleep, easy awakening, and inability to return to sleep after waking, is a common clinical condition. Globally, over 37% of the population experiences acute insomnia, and more than 10% suffers from chronic insomnia. In China, the insomnia rate exceeds 15% and is increasing year by year. [1]Chronic insomnia can reduce the quality of life and induce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental and psychological disorders, posing significant harm. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers the core pathogenesis of insomnia to be an imbalance of yin and yang and dysfunction of the zang-fu organs. This article systematically reviews the epidemiology, Western medicine pathogenesis, TCM etiology and pathogenesis, Chinese and Western medicine treatment methods, and the advantages of their integrated application, providing a reference for standardized and individualized clinical prevention and treatment of insomnia.
Keywords
Insomnia; Sleeplessness; Yin-yang imbalance; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine; Treatment progress
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[4] FERINI-STRAMBI L, AUER R, BJORVATN B, et al. Insomnia disorder: Clinical and research challenges for the 21st century[J]. European Journal of Neurology, 2021, 28(7): 2156-2167.
[5] WANG Q L, HAI Y. Analysis of the treatment of insomnia with Guipi Decoction based on the theory of “spleen storing nutritive qi”[J]. Medical Theory and Practice, 2026, 39(6): 1075-1078. DOI:10.19381/j.issn.1001-7585.2026.06.050.
[6] XIE C, BING X H, HUANG Q F, et al. Research progress on the mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for insomnia[J/OL]. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1-9 [2026-05-06]. https://doi.org/10.13460/j.issn.1005-0957.2026.14.0007.
[7] HUANG J X, CHEN J H, CHENG Q J, et al. Efficacy of buccal acupuncture therapy for chronic insomnia and its effect on inflammatory factor levels[J/OL]. Guangdong Medical Journal, 2026, (3): 1-5 [2026-05-06]. https://doi.org/10.13820/j.cnki.gdyx.20253540.
[8] GAO X Y, HOU S Y, LUO D D, et al. Research progress on the mechanism of Banxia Shumi Decoction in regulating circadian rhythm to improve insomnia[J]. Shandong Medical Journal, 2026, 66(2): 149-153.
[9] YANG M, WEN L X. Clinical research progress of Chinese and Western medicine for insomnia[J]. Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China, 2024, 22(16): 97-100.
[10] China Sleep Research Society. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia (2025 edition)[J]. Chinese Medical Journal, 2025, 105(34): 2960-2981.
[11] HUANG Z Z, GUO S S, YIN J, et al. Application of transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with meridian combing in stroke patients with insomnia[J]. Chinese Nursing Research, 2024, 38(23): 4270-4273.
[12] GUO A C, ZHANG B L, GUO H Y, et al. Vernacular Explanation of the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: Spiritual Pivot[M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021.
[13] FAN X H, WANG C P, XUE W, et al. Exploration of the theory and medication experience of Suanzaoren Decoction in treating “deficiency fatigue, deficiency dysphoria and inability to sleep”[J]. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2026, 28(3): 98-102. DOI:10.13194/j.issn.1673-842X.2026.03.017.
[14] CHEN W Y, WANG H, FU L, et al. Data mining-based exploration of Yao Chun’s medication experience in treating insomnia and the academic viewpoint of “unblocking yang and dissipating binds”[J]. Guiding Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, 2026, 32(1): 216-221, 234. DOI:10.13862/j.cn43-1446/r.2026.01.035.
[15] XIE Y, ZHANG C R, XIONG H P. The influence of meridian combing nursing on the quality of life and sleep in patients with stroke sequelae[J]. Guangming Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2017, 32(24): 3624-3626.
[16] WANG X L, MA Y H, HE Y X. Application of aromatherapy in traditional Chinese medicine for insomnia disease[J]. Heilongjiang Medical Journal, 2024, 48(1): 114-116.
[17] LIU Q, GUAN S, CHEN Y F, et al. Research progress in the treatment of intractable insomnia with Chinese and Western medicine[J]. Chinese Journal of Basic Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021, 27(10): 1670-1674.
[18] WANG K L, CHEN A, ZHANG C. Research progress in the treatment of insomnia with Chinese and Western medicine[J]. Science and Technology Wind, 2020, (23): 188, 94.
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