Preparation of an Effective Traditional Chinese Medicinal Compound for Sleep-AId Sacs in the Treatment of Insomnia in Older People: A Delphi Method Study

Objective: To establish an expert consensus on an optimal Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compound for use in sleep-aid sacs to treat insomnia in older adults. Methods: A three-round Delphi study was conducted with 12 TCM experts from a Class Three Grade A hospital in Guangzhou, China, from April to July 2021. An initial list of herbs was developed based on a literature review. Experts rated the importance of each herb on a 5-point Likert scale over three successive questionnaire rounds. Statistical analysis, including mean scores, coefficient of variation (CV), and Kendalls W coefficient, was used to assess the concentration and coordination of expert opinions. Conclusion: The Delphi method successfully facilitated a consensus among TCM experts, resulting in a scientifically derived and reliable herbal compound for treating insomnia in older people via sleep-aid sacs. This study provides a validated, non-invasive therapeutic option and a methodological reference for future research in TCM-based quality of life interventions.