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 Viewpoint - The introduction of new insomnia medications, specifically dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), is reducing access restrictions for patients, allowing for easier acquisition through various channels, including e-commerce platforms [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Traditional insomnia medications are classified as controlled substances, limiting their availability and leading to potential dependency issues [1]. - The recent commercialization of DORA medications, such as Daridorexant by Xiansheng Pharmaceutical, marks a significant shift in the treatment landscape for insomnia in China [2]. Group 2: Patient Management and Usage Guidelines - Insomnia affects 48.5% of the population aged 18 and above in China, with symptoms including difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings [3]. - Experts emphasize the need for proper education on the use of sleep medications, as improper usage can lead to adverse effects on daytime functioning [3][4]. - Clinical assessments are recommended for patients experiencing insomnia symptoms, with specific criteria for diagnosis [4]. Group 3: Clinical Research and Development - Phase III clinical trials for Daridorexant have shown significant improvements, including a reduction in time to fall asleep by 35 minutes and an increase in total sleep time by 1 hour without causing next-day drowsiness [6]. - Ongoing research is necessary to understand the transition from traditional insomnia medications to new DORAs, including dosage adjustments and suitability for special populations [6][7]. - Xiansheng Pharmaceutical plans to invest 30 million yuan over the next three years to expand research on Daridorexant and its applications for various patient demographics [7].