Sleep Medicine in Ancient and Traditional China

The theory of circadian disorders rhythm reflecting the Chinese philosophy greatly influenced the development of the traditional Chinese sleep medicine (TCM), which has a long history of research in sleep and sleep disorders beginning with the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907). Sleep disorders, including insomnia, hypersomnolence, and dream disorders were known even before that (c. 403 BC). Since the dissolution of federal society in China (AD 1911), the medical science emphasized preventive measures. However, with the improvement of economic conditions, the prevalence of sleep disorders increased. The China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences took the lead in developing TCM in modern China by founding the Chinese Sleep Research Society and the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies in AD 2008.