Older People Spend Less Time Asleep

Sherene Chen See is a freelance writer from Toronto, Ontario. We regret that Sherene Chen See's articles are not available on-line.

• Use the lowest effective dose of a single agent
• Use intermittent dosing
• Short-term use (do not use hypnotic mediation on a regular basis for >3-4 weeks)
• Limited use of sedative-hypnotics (2-4 times per week)
• Gradual discontinuation
• Monitor for reoccurence of insomnia following discontinuation of medication
• Avoid ultra-short-acting benzodiazepines (e.g. triazolam)