This paper reviews the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of intractable insomnia in recent years. It summarizes the etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation classification and diagnostic and treatment criteria of the disease. Meanwhile, it comprehensively elaborates the latest research advances of monotherapies and combined TCM interventions, including oral Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupoint massage, cupping therapy, auricular point pressing with beans, and emotional therapy. Relevant studies have demonstrated that various TCM therapies can effectively improve sleep quality, prolong effective sleeping time and relieve accompanying clinical symptoms in patients with intractable insomnia. They can fundamentally regulate the imbalance of the human body and realize the treatment of both manifestation and root cause. By summarizing the current research achievements and clinical application status of TCM for intractable insomnia, this paper intends to clarify the advantages of TCM diagnosis and treatment, sort out the existing clinical problems, and provide references and theoretical basis for standardized clinical diagnosis and treatment, therapeutic scheme optimization and further scientific research innovation of this disease.

Ma Yuyu. Clinical Research Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Refractory Insomnia. Frontiers in Medical Science Research (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 4: 36-42. https://doi.org/10.25236/FMSR.2026.080405.

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