33 - Management of insomnia in the elderly: the efficacy and safety of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics

Summary

Several facts have been established concerning sleep related to gender and age. The incidence of chronic insomnia was higher in older adults, who indicated that family-related stress and health-associated problems first precipitated their sleeping problem. In order to improve their sleep chronic insomniacs relied on physical exercise, relaxation techniques, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, or alcohol. Insomnia was associated with an increased number of physical disabilities, respiratory symptoms (chronic coughing, wheezing, or phlegm), OTC medication use, depressive symptoms, and poorer self-perceived health. The reduction in benzodiazepines (BZDs) hypnotic use has coincided with the introduction of a structurally dissimilar group of non-benzodiazepine (non-BZD) derivatives, such as the cyclopyrrolone agents zopiclone and eszopiclone, the imidazopyridine derivative zolpidem, and the pyrazolopyrimidine compound zaleplon. During treatment with extended-release zolpidem the most commonly observed events were somnolence, headache, and dizziness.