Core Insights - The prevalence of insomnia in China is increasing due to factors such as aging and unhealthy lifestyles, making sleep health a key indicator of the Healthy China strategy [1] - A forum held on September 21 in Beijing highlighted new data, methods, and initiatives for insomnia treatment, aiming to promote national sleep health [1] Group 1: Sleep Health Statistics - According to the China Sleep Research Society's 2025 Sleep Health Survey, 48.5% of individuals aged 18 and above in China experience sleep disturbances, primarily characterized by difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, and early waking [2] - Long-term insomnia is linked to serious health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, and an increased risk of dementia [2] Group 2: Current Treatment Limitations - Traditional insomnia medications, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, can shorten sleep onset but may lead to daytime drowsiness, cognitive decline, and dependency, posing significant risks for long-term use [2] - There is a lack of safe and effective long-term treatment options for insomnia in China, with existing medications often failing to meet public expectations for quality sleep [2] Group 3: Innovative Treatment Approaches - Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs) have received first-line recommendations in treatment guidelines, marking a significant advancement in insomnia therapy [3] - DORAs work by blocking the binding of orexin neuropeptides to their receptors, effectively lowering orexin levels and promoting natural sleep without the widespread sedation associated with traditional medications [3] Group 4: Clinical Research and Efficacy - DORA medications, such as Daridorexant, have shown consistent efficacy and safety in clinical trials, with patients experiencing a reduction in sleep onset time by 35 minutes and nighttime awakenings by 30 minutes, while extending total sleep time by one hour [4] - Daridorexant has been recognized as a first-line treatment for insomnia in Europe, with clinical studies indicating improved sleep quality without the residual effects commonly seen with traditional medications [4] Group 5: Market Development and Future Research - Companies like Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group and Hansoh Pharmaceutical are investing in the development of new insomnia medications, with Daridorexant already commercialized in China [5] - A national sleep disorder screening project has been launched to establish a sleep health database and explore new treatment models, with a planned investment of 30 million yuan for post-marketing research on insomnia medications [6]

Core Insights - The "2025 China Sleep Medicine Development Forum" was held in Beijing, focusing on new data, methods, and initiatives for insomnia treatment to promote national sleep health and contribute to a healthier China [1][4]. Group 1: Sleep Issues in China - The sleep disturbance rate among individuals aged 18 and above in China is 48.5%, indicating a growing public concern regarding sleep quality [4]. - Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, waking up multiple times during the night, early morning awakening, and daytime sleepiness, which, if occurring more than three times a week for over three months, warrant medical consultation [4]. Group 2: Evolving Understanding of Quality Sleep - The understanding of "quality sleep" has evolved to encompass not just nighttime rest but also its impact on daytime mental state, work efficiency, and overall life experience [4]. - The treatment goal for insomnia has shifted from merely achieving sleep to ensuring both good sleep quality and daytime functionality [4]. Group 3: Advances in Sleep Research - The discovery of the orexin system in 1998 has significantly advanced sleep and neuroscience, with the notion that insomnia is fundamentally linked to excessive wakefulness [5]. - Dual orexin receptor antagonists are being explored to help restore natural sleep-wake rhythms, aiming for a balance of good sleep at night and alertness during the day [5]. Group 4: National Initiatives and Projects - The National Health Commission plans to ensure that at least one hospital in every city provides "sleep clinic services" by 2025, as part of its commitment to public health [5]. - A nationwide sleep disorder screening project was launched in 2023, with 266 medical institutions certified to monitor sleep patterns, aiming to reduce healthcare costs and alleviate patient burdens [5].

Core Viewpoint - The forum highlighted the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders in modern society, emphasizing the need for public awareness and effective management of sleep health [1][2]. Group 1: Sleep Disorder Statistics - According to the China Sleep Research Society, 30% to 48% of the population experiences insomnia symptoms, with 16% to 21% suffering from insomnia at least three times a week [2]. - The prevalence of insomnia with significant daytime functional impairment ranges from 9% to 15% [2]. Group 2: Factors Contributing to Sleep Issues - Factors such as social competition, work pressure, and an aging population contribute to the growing sleep problems, which are increasingly affecting younger individuals [2]. - Sleep disorders are often associated with other health issues, with 68% of anxiety disorders and 45% of Alzheimer's disease cases linked to sleep disturbances [2]. Group 3: Professional Guidance on Sleep Disorders - Public awareness of insomnia symptoms is crucial, including difficulty falling asleep, waking multiple times during the night, early morning awakening, and daytime sleepiness [3]. - Individuals experiencing these symptoms frequently should seek professional help from sleep clinics or related medical departments [3]. Group 4: Medication for Insomnia - Advances in medication have alleviated concerns about insomnia treatments, allowing patients to use medications under medical guidance to improve sleep quality and daytime functioning [4]. - New medications, such as dual orexin receptor antagonists, have shown effective results in treating insomnia while ensuring safety and improving daytime performance [4]. Group 5: Dimensions of Quality Sleep - Six dimensions of quality sleep were proposed: optimal sleep duration (6-8 hours), sleep efficiency, regular sleep patterns, appropriate sleep timing, good sleep quality, and sufficient daytime wakefulness [5]. - Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing emotional states are essential for achieving better sleep quality [5].