OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Suanzaoren decoction on learning and memory ability and brain neurotransmitters content of senile insomnia model rats. METHODS： Rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， positive group [Estazolam tablet， 2×10－3 g/（kg·d）] and Suanzaoren decoction low-dose， middle-dose and high-dose groups [5， 10， 15      g/（kg·d）]， with 10 rats in each group. Except for normal group， those groups were given D-galactose ih on the back+sleep deprivation to induce senile insomnia model. 6 weeks after modeling， treatment groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically for one week， and normal group and model group were given normal saline intragastrically. The escape latency， the percentage of swimming time and the time of original platform crossing were observed， and the contents of Glu and GABA in cerebral tissue were determined as well as the contents of IL-1β and 5-HT in hypothalamus. RESULTS： Compared with normal group， escape latency of rats prolonged and the contents of IL-1β and 5-HT in hypothalamus decreased， while the percentage of swimming time of original platform quadirant， the time of original platform crossing and the contents of Glu and GABA in cerebral tissue increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group， above index of treatment groups improved significantly， with statistical significance （P＜0.05）. Compared with positive group， the changes of above index were more significant in Suanzaoren decoction middle-dose and high-dose groups， with statistical significance （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS： Suanzaoren decoction could markedly enhance the learning and memory ability of senile insomnia model rats， and reduce neurotransmitters content and relieve the delayed neuronal damage which led by Glu and GABA.