Objective To study the method to establish and evaluate the insomnia rat model with liver depression syndrome.Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomized into control group

model group

and Suanzaoren Decoction（Decoction of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae） group

with 8 in each.The insomnia rat model with liver depression syndrome was established by chronic stimulation of tail clipping and intraperitoneal injection of parachlorophenylalanine（PCPA）.Suanzaoren Decoction group was given the decoction from the 7th day of modeling by gastric perfusion 7.5g/（kg·d）.All rats were assessed through the determination of rat’s general signs

ethology

hemorheo-logical examination

pathological observation

and contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine（5-HT） and norepinephrine（NE） in hypothalamic and hippocampus. Results Compared with normal rats

the model rats demonstrated significantly disturbed sleep pattern

slow growing of weight

decreased learning capability and memory

and increased blood viscosity in hemorheology.The content of 5-HT and NE in hypothalamus and hippocampus of model rats was disordered（P<0.05 or P<0.01）.Suanzaoren Decoction had a regulative function to a certain degree.Conclusion It’s practical to establish the insomnia rat model with liver depression syndrome by chronic stimulation of tail clipping and intraperitoneal injection of PCPA.