Treatment of Hyperthyroidism Complicated with Insomnia Based on the Theory of “Liver Governing Conveyance and Dispersion”

Abstract

Clinically, patients with hyperthyroidism often suffer from sleep disorders. Western medicine primarily treats hyperthyroidism-related insomnia with sedative-hypnotic drugs, which have significant side effects, high addiction potential, and numerous adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown good efficacy in treating insomnia, not only improving sleep quality but also helping regulate emotions and benefiting the entire body. In TCM, hyperthyroidism falls under the category of “goiter disease” (Ying Bing), with the main pathological location being the liver. Insomnia, referred to as “inability to lie still” (Bu Mei) in TCM, is primarily caused by emotional injury and is also closely related to the liver. Based on the theory of “liver governing conveyance and dispersion,” this paper explores the relationship among the three through the “liver,” aiming to provide new TCM treatment ideas for patients with hyperthyroidism complicated by insomnia.