An Mian Pian (安眠片) — Peaceful Sleep Tablet
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1. Overview
An Mian Pian (literally "Peaceful Sleep Tablet") is a widely used modern Chinese patent formula for insomnia. It calms the Heart Shen, clears Phlegm-Heat, tonifies the Spleen and harmonises the Stomach. It is gentler than many sedative herbs and well suited to functional insomnia with a mixed pattern: difficulty falling asleep, middle-of-night waking, vivid dreams and morning fatigue. Often the first-line patent formula tried in modern Chinese practice for stress-related insomnia.
2. Composition
| Herb | Role |
|---|---|
| Suan Zao Ren | Chief — nourishes Heart and Liver, calms Shen |
| Ye Jiao Teng (He Shou Wu vine) | Deputy — nourishes Heart Blood, calms Shen |
| Yuan Zhi | Deputy — calms Shen, opens orifices |
| Fu Shen | Assistant — calms Shen, tonifies Spleen |
| Mu Li (oyster shell) | Assistant — anchors Shen |
| Zhen Zhu Mu (mother of pearl) | Assistant — anchors Shen, settles Liver Yang |
| Zhi Zi | Assistant — clears Heart Fire |
| Dan Shen | Assistant — invigorates Blood, calms Shen |
| Shan Zha | Assistant — harmonises Stomach |
| Mai Ya | Assistant — harmonises Stomach |
| Gan Cao | Envoy — harmonises |
Exact composition varies between manufacturers; the above is the most common modern formulation.
3. Indications
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Middle-of-night waking with inability to return to sleep
- Vivid dreams and disturbed sleep
- Stress-related insomnia
- Anxiety with sleep disturbance
- Insomnia with palpitations
4. How it works
The formula addresses three layers of insomnia simultaneously: (1) Heart Blood-Yin deficiency — the underlying inability of the Shen to find rest, addressed by Suan Zao Ren, Ye Jiao Teng and Fu Shen; (2) Phlegm-Heat or stagnant Heat disturbing the Heart, addressed by Zhi Zi and Dan Shen; (3) restless Shen and Liver Yang, anchored by Mu Li and Zhen Zhu Mu.
5. Modern applications
An Mian Pian is one of the most commonly prescribed Chinese patent formulas in modern UK and US practice for functional insomnia. It is non-addictive and can be taken nightly for several weeks while the underlying TCM pattern is also being addressed.
6. Cautions
Generally well tolerated. Mild loose stools possible in patients with weak digestion (reduce dose). Avoid in acute Cold patterns and during acute febrile illness. Long-term use should be supervised by a qualified RCHM-registered Chinese herbalist who can identify and treat the underlying pattern.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe An Mian Pian and related formulas for patients presenting with the typical modern profile of stress-related sleep-onset and middle-of-night insomnia. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
