Having suffered from insomnia and vivid dreams for many years, what medication should be taken for treatment?

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
For long-term insomnia accompanied by excessive dreaming, commonly used medications include Tianwang Buxin Dan, Gui Pi Wan, Suan Zao Ren He Ji, Zhusha Anshen Wan, and Jieyu Anshen Granules, which are selected according to different syndrome patterns. The primary effects of Tianwang Buxin Dan are nourishing yin and blood, and tonifying the heart to calm the spirit. It is indicated for insomnia and vivid dreams caused by deficiency of heart yin, helping to nourish the heart yin, stabilize the mind, and improve difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreaming, and easy awakening.

For long-term insomnia accompanied by excessive dreaming, commonly used medications include Tianwang Buxin Dan, Guipi Wan, Suanzaoren Heji (Sour Jujube Seed Liquid), Zhusha Anshen Wan, and Jieyu Anshen Granules. These are selected according to different syndrome patterns. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. **Tianwang Buxin Dan**: Its primary effects are nourishing yin, enriching blood, tonifying the heart, and calming the spirit. It targets insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by deficiency of heart yin. By nourishing heart yin and stabilizing the mind, it improves difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, and easy awakening, while also relieving associated symptoms such as palpitations, poor memory, dry mouth, and sore throat.

2. **Guipi Wan**: This formula focuses on reinforcing qi, strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit. It is suitable for insomnia and excessive dreaming due to deficiency of both the heart and spleen. By replenishing qi and blood and nourishing the heart's spirit, it reduces sleep disturbances caused by vivid dreams. It also alleviates symptoms of qi and blood deficiency, such as fatigue, poor appetite, and sallow complexion.

3. **Suanzaoren Heji (Sour Jujube Seed Liquid)**: Mainly functions to nourish blood, calm the spirit, clear heat, and relieve irritability. It nourishes liver blood and soothes liver fire, improving insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by liver blood deficiency and internal deficiency heat. It is especially suitable for individuals experiencing restlessness at night and difficulty returning to sleep after waking.

4. **Zhusha Anshen Wan**: Has the effect of clearing heart fire, nourishing blood, calming shock, and soothing the spirit. It is indicated for insomnia and excessive dreaming due to excessive heart fire combined with deficiency of yin and blood. It clears heart fire and stabilizes the mind, helping to relieve symptoms such as irritability, anger, palpitations, and insomnia. It is particularly appropriate for those who also suffer from mouth ulcers.

5. **Jieyu Anshen Granules**: Functions to soothe the liver, resolve depression, strengthen the spleen, and calm the spirit. Suitable for insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. By regulating liver qi and harmonizing the spleen and stomach, it improves sleep disturbances related to emotional distress, while also relieving symptoms such as chest tightness, irritability, and poor appetite.

It is recommended to select medication under the guidance of a physician, with proper control of dosage and treatment duration to avoid long-term dependence. If symptoms do not improve after taking the medication, timely medical evaluation should be sought to rule out organic diseases.