High altitude sleep disturbance (HASD) is a common condition occurring in high-altitude regions due to low pressure and low oxygen levels. Its primary manifestations include insomnia, sleep apnea, and significantly reduced sleep quality. Severe cases may also trigger acute high-altitude illnesses such as high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema. Following acute exposure to high altitudes, the incidence of HASD is notably high, posing a serious threat to physical health and quality of life. It has thus become a significant public health concern in plateau regions. Modern medical drug therapies for HASD demonstrate limited efficacy and are associated with side effects such as drowsiness and drug resistance. Therefore, in-depth exploration of its pathogenesis and the pursuit of safer, more effective treatment methods are of significant importance. Tibetan medicine, as a traditional medical system, emphasizes diagnosis and treatment based on the three factors theory (rlung, mkhris-pa, bad-kan). It offers holistic regulatory advantages through multi-dimensional, multi-component, and multi-pathway approaches. Safe and reliable, it regulates bodily functions through multi-target synergistic effects, presenting a potential key pathway for addressing HASD. HASD primarily affects sleep regulation centers across various brain regions. Tibetan medicine's holistic perspective views the human body as deeply interconnected with the natural environment. External changes like hypoxia or atmospheric pressure fluctuations disrupt the body’s “rlung” equilibrium, leading to neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. This, in turn, triggers emotional disturbances and sleep disorders. This paper explores the application of Tibetan medicine tailored to local conditions for treating HASD based on existing research, summarizing advances in related mechanism studies. It aims to provide more substantial reference for innovative applications of Tibetan medicinal formulas and novel drug development targeting HASD.

high-altitude sleep disorders  /  Tibetan medicine  /  three factors theory  /  traditional ethnic medicine  /  altitude sickness