Based on the theory of nutrient-qi and defensive-qi in Inner Canon of Yellow Emporor

by elucidating the close relationship between nutrient-qi

defensive-qi and sleep as well as spirit

the article raises the point that the key relevance of insomnia and depression is defensive-qi disorder. Its basic pathogenesis is defensive-qi disorder

and disharmony of spirit. "Being listless in the day and being sleepless in the night"is one of the clinical features of depressive disorder with insomnia as the comorbidity. This article proposes corresponding prevention and treatment advice based on recognition of pathogenesis of depressive disorder accompanied with insomnia from defensive-qi aspect.