Insomnia refers to the disease marked by the constant inability to have normal sleep, or difficulty in falling sleep, even lying awake all night in severe cases. Insomnia after recovery mostly results from deficiency of yin and body fluids, or asthenia of the heart and spleen, or residual heat intermingled with phlegm disturbing the mind.

Syndrome differentiation and treatment

Asthenia of the heart and spleen

In manifests dream-disturbed sleep, light sleep, palpitation, susceptibility to fright, amnesia, light-headedness, tiredness of limbs, mental fatigue, poor appetite, lustreless complexion, pale tongue with thin fur, thready and week pulse. It is suitable to tonify the heart, strengthen the spleen, nourish blood and tranquilize the mind. The prescription used is the modified Guipi Decoction (Decoction for Invigorating the Spleen and Nourishing the Heart). In the case of the cardiac blood deficiency, add Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preaparata ), Baishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba ) and Ejiao ( Colla Corii Asini ); in the case of light sleep, add Wuweizi ( Fructus Schisandrae ) , Baiziren (Semen Biotae), Hehuanhua (Flos Albiziae ) , Yejiaoteng ( Caulis et Folium Polygoni Multiflori), Longgu ( Os Draconis and Mull ( Concha Ostreae ) accordingly.

Excessive fire due to yin deficiency

In manifests dysphoria, sleeplessness, palpitation, dizziness, tinnitus, amnesia, soreness of the waist, nocturnal emission, dysphoria with feverish chest, palms and soles, dry mouth, red tongue with a little fur or cracked fur, thready and rapid pulse. It is suitable to nourish yin and remove fire, nourish the heart and tranquilize the mind. The prescription used is the modified Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (Decoction of Rhizoma Coptidis and Colla Corii Asini ), or Zhusha Anshen Bolus (Sedative Bouls of Cinnabaris). In the case of feverish and reddish complexion, vertigo, tinnitus, add Muli (Concha Ostreae), add Guiban (Plastrum Testudinis ) and Cishi ( Magnetitum ).

Residual heat intermingled with phlegm

It manifests sleeplessness, headache, heavy sensation of the head, or light sleep, profuse sputum, chest tightness, aversion to food, eructation, acid regurgitation, nausea, vexation, bitter taste, dizziness, yellowish and greasy fur, slippery and rapid pulse. It is advisable to clear away heat, resolve phlegm, regulate the middle energizer and tranquilize the mind. The prescription used is Huanglian Wendan Decoction (Decoction of Rhizoma Coptidis for Clearing away Gallbladder Heat) with additional Shanzhi (Radix Pittospori). In the case of palpitation and restlessness, add Zhenzhumu (Concha Margaritifera Uista ), Longchi ( Dens Draconis ) and Cishi (Magnetitum); in the case of stagnation of phlegm and food, incoordination between the spleen and stomach, this prescription is used in combination with Banxia Shumi Decoction (Decoction of Rhizoma Pinelliae and Husked Sorghum) with additional Shenqu (Massa Fermentata Medicinalis), Shanzha (Fructus Crataegi) and Laifuzi (Semen Raphani); in the case of residual heat disturbing the heart, use the modified Zhizi Wumei Decoction (Decoction of Fructus Gardeniae and Fructus Mume ).
Rehabilitation methods

Regulating emotions

Insomnia is a psychosomatic disease. Regulating emotions can achieve better therapeutic effects. The doctor may remove the patient's psychogenic stimulation by means of diverting his emotions, clearing up his suspicion, doing as he wishes, pleasing him and suggestion. Besides, the doctor may use hypnotherapy as well.

Recreation may regulate the mind, mould the temperament and is the effective therapy for insomnia. For instance, as far as musical therapy is concerned, the doctor can select the gentle and sweet, slow and light music.

Physical training and bathing

The patient may have the endurance training events such as running, ball games and setting-up exercises to radio music according to the differences of the patient's psychological features, musical accomplishment and personality. Besides, the patient may practice Taijiquan. When practicing it, tranquilize and concentrate the mind and seek for tranquility from activity. Practice it once or twice a day, 20 minutes each time. It is better to practice it until the body is tired before bed time.

Adopt the hot spring bath or lukewarm bath once a day, 30 minutes each time. In the case of good constitution, the patient may select the cold water bath as well. The patient with severe insomnia may take an additional bath before bed time.