Abstract： Sleep disorders are prominent nonspecific symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS）， often characterized by complex pathogenesis and a combination of deficiency and excess in clinical presentations. The Huang Di Nei Jing （The Yellow Emperor´s Inner Classic） interprets these pathological changes through the changes of nutrient and defense， suggesting that the core mechanism of disrupted sleep-wake cycles lies in the disharmony of nutrient defense. Based on the nutrient and defense theory，this study explores the etiology and pathogensis of sleep disorders and the mechanisms behind the formation of sleep rhythms. It is found that nutrient and defense rely on the harmony of yin and yang，qi and blood，viscera and bowels，and meridian and collateral to maintain their balance and the body´s circadian rhythm. The treatment of sleep disorders in CFS should therefore focus on harmonizing nutrient and defense. This can be achieved by regulating the middle energizer to aid transformation and transportation，expelling pathogens， regulating qi，unblocking meridians，nurturing yin，subduing yang，and harmonizing nutrient and defense to restore their balance. This approach provides a reference for the Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in CFS.