Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, may impact individuals' emotional health, lead to immune system problems, and increase the chance of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a type of medication and food homologous substance, Gastrodia elata's primary active ingredient, extract, and its byproducts demonstrate beneficial effects in treating insomnia. Though there is currently no comprehensive description, research on how Gastrodia elata's active ingredients can alleviate insomnia advances significantly. Thus, this review systematically delineates the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying insomnia. Secondly, it reviews the effects of the active ingredients in Gastrodia elata on improving insomnia, including regulating the biological clock, balancing the release of neurotransmitters, the expression of inflammatory factors, regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and modulating intestinal flora. Additionally, the paper looks at the current market for sleep aids that contain Gastrodia elata as a main ingredient. The objective provides basis for the research and development of Gastrodia elata.