Amber has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a remedy for various ailments, including insomnia. Historical records suggest that amber, often referred to as "Hu Po" in TCM, is believed to have sedative properties and is used to calm the spirit ("shen"), relieve anxiety, and support restful sleep. The rationale behind its use is linked more to its symbolic and energetic qualities rather than pharmacologically active compounds. Amber is sometimes powdered and included in herbal formulae, or worn as jewelry to impart calming effects, according to tradition.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence to support the efficacy of amber for insomnia. Modern pharmacological studies have not substantiated the sedative or anxiolytic effects attributed to amber in traditional practices. The evidence supporting its use for insomnia is mostly anecdotal and based on centuries of cultural beliefs rather than rigorous clinical research. As such, while amber’s use for insomnia is justified by tradition, its efficacy has not been validated scientifically, and the available evidence is weak.