ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy of thread embedding at tender points on the Governor Vessel in treating intractable insomnia.MethodEighty eligible subjects were randomized into two groups. The thread embedding group was intervened by thread embedding at tender points on the Governor Vessel, while the acupuncture was by ordinary acupuncture.ResultThe recovery and markedly effective rate in the thread embedding group (72.5%) was markedly higher than that in the acupuncture group (45.0%). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were significantly lower after intervention in both groups (P<0.05); the PSQI score in the thread embedding group was significantly lower than that in the acupuncture group after intervention (P<0.05). ConclusionThread embedding at tender points on the Governor Vessel can produce a more significant efficacy than ordinary acupuncture in treating intractable insomnia, and it can more effectively improve sleep quality.