According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, there are some patterns of syndrome that lead to insomnia.
1. Hyperactivity of Heart Fire
2. Liver Qi Stagnation Turning into Fire
3. Internal Disturbance of Phlegm-heat
4. Hyperactivity of Fire due to Yin Deficiency
5. Deficiency of the Heart and Spleen
6. Deficiency of Heart Qi and Gallbladder Qi

It is important to differentiate between the deficiency type and excess type of insomnia. Syndromes such as hyperactivity of heart fire, liver qi stagnation turning into fire, and internal disturbance of phlegm-heat belong to the excess, while those such as hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency, deficiency of the heart and spleen, and deficiency of heart qi and gallbladder qi pertain to the deficiency. Treatments should be based on the principles of replenishing deficiency and purging excess, regulating yin and yang, and calming the heart and tranquilizing the mind.

Patients of deficiency type should be treated with methods of reinforcing qi and nourishing blood, and tonifying the liver and kidney, while those of the excess type should be treated with methods of eliminating food retention and regulating the spleen and stomach, and clearing away fire and resolving phlegm. For patients complicated by both the deficiency and excess, the method of reinforcing and purging should be used in combination.