Objective To explore the syndrome distribution and related diagnostic symptoms and signs of liver stagnation syndrome in primary insomnia. Methods We selected 851 cases of primary insomnia of liver stagnation type

and collected their insomnia characteristics

mental symptoms

facial and somatic symptoms

cardiovascular system symptoms

respiratory symptoms

digestive symptoms

urinary symptoms

body skin and mucosa condition

stool and urine condition

tongue condition and pulse condition. Then we differentiate their syndromes referring to the syndrome differentiation standards

and counted the symptoms and signs in high frequency of each syndrome（ >10%）. The frequent symptoms and signs were analyzed through binary logistic regression to figure out diagnostic essentials. Results The main syndromes in primary insomnia of liver stagnation are syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency（ 142 cases

32. 7%）

syndrome of liver stagnation and yin deficiency（ 115 cases

26. 4%）and syndrome of liver stagnation transforming into fire（ 94 cases

21. 6%）. The initial diagnostic symptoms and signs of syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency are upset and irritability

being down in spirits

broken sleep

pale tongue

epigastric discomfort

loose stool

poor and decreased appetite

abdominal distension and the sensation of foreign body in pharynx. The initial diagnostic symptoms and signs of syndrome of liver stagnation and yin deficiency are upset and irritability

being down in spirits

hot flash

chest distress

dysphoria with feverish sensation in chest

palms and soles and thready rapid pulse. The initial diagnostic symptoms and signs of syndrome of liver stagnation transforming into fire are upset and irritability

low in spirits

bitter taste

flushed complexion

red tongue and stringy rapid pulse. Conclusion The main syndromes of primary insomnia of liver stagnation type are syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency

syndrome of liver stagnation of yin deficiency and syndrome of liver stagnation transforming into fire. Their common symptoms are insomnia with being down in spirits as well as upset and irritability.