This paper summarized professor JIA Hongxiao's experience in treating insomnia upon five spirit organs theory and abnormal sleep patterns. Guided by the principle of “determining core prescriptions and medicinals according to the core pathogenesis represented by core symptoms”， the differentiation and treatment of insomnia emphasizes abnormal sleep patterns as the core symptoms， defines the nature and location of the disease with the theory of five spirit organs， and put forwards the corresponding treatment strategies. The disease location of insomnia with difficulty in falling asleep is at heart， spleen-stomach， and lungs. For disease located at heart， the modified formulas from

Tianwang Buxin Pill

（天王补心丹），

Huanglian Ejiao Decoction

（黄连阿胶汤）， or

Jiaotai Pill

（交泰丸） can be used； for disease located at spleen-stomach and lungs， the modified

Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction

（半夏白术天麻汤） and modified

Wumo Drink

（五磨饮子） are suggested， respectively. For insomnia mainly manifested as light sleep， the disease location is kidney； if there is kidney

yin

depletion and restless liver soul， modified

Liuwei Dihuang Pill

（六味地黄丸） is recommended； meanwhile， modified

Jingui Shenqi Pill

（金匮肾气丸） or

Fengsui Elixir

（封髓丹） are suggested for kidney yang depletion. In terms of insomnia due to early awakening， the disease is located at liver； modified

Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder

（丹栀逍遥散） or

Longdan Xiegan Decoction

（龙胆泻肝汤） is recommended for liver constraint transforming into fire， while modified

Wendan Decoction

（温胆汤） for phlegm-fire harassing the interior， and modified S

uanzaoren Decoction

（酸枣仁汤） for liver blood insufficiency.