Core Insights - The prevalence of insomnia among adults in China is increasing, with the number of affected individuals expected to reach 300 million by 2024 and 330 million by 2030 [1] - The market for insomnia medications in China is projected to grow from 12.28 billion yuan in 2021 to 15.12 billion yuan by 2025, and further to 21.19 billion yuan by 2030 [1] - New dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have recently been approved for the Chinese market, targeting a broader population of insomnia sufferers [1][3] Market Trends - The sales of traditional hypnotics have shown rapid growth, with sample hospitals reporting sales of 1.641 billion yuan in 2021, and public hospitals spending 5.481 billion yuan on these medications [2] - Despite the growth, over 40% of the population suffers from sleep issues, with less than 30% seeking treatment, indicating a significant unmet demand [2] Drug Development - Traditional insomnia medications, primarily benzodiazepines, have side effects such as daytime drowsiness and cognitive impairment, which DORAs aim to overcome [2][3] - DORAs work by blocking the binding of orexin neuropeptides to their receptors, thus inducing natural sleep without the extensive sedation associated with traditional drugs [2][3] Regulatory and Market Entry - Two new DORA medications, approved in May and June 2023, are now available in hospitals and on e-commerce platforms, with intentions to negotiate for inclusion in the national medical insurance directory [3][4] - The current focus of domestic innovative pharmaceutical companies has been on oncology and autoimmune diseases, leading to fewer developments in insomnia treatments [4] Competitive Landscape - The insomnia medication market is competitive, with various options available, including traditional and herbal remedies [5] - Agomelatine, a melatonin receptor agonist, has shown significant sales growth, reaching 640 million yuan in 2022, a 29.6% increase year-on-year [5] Treatment Recommendations - Non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation techniques and aerobic exercise are recommended for occasional insomnia, while persistent issues should be evaluated by specialists [6]