Sedative hypnotics in older people with insomnia: meta-analysis of risks and benefits.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To quantify and compare potential benefits (subjective reports of sleep variables) and risks (adverse events and morning-after psychomotor impairment) of short term treatment with sedative hypnotics in older people with insomnia.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, the Cochrane clinical trials database, PubMed, and PsychLit, 1966 to 2003; bibliographies of published reviews and meta-analyses; manufacturers of newer sedative hypnotics (zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone) regarding unpublished studies.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials of any pharmacological treatment for insomnia for at least five consecutive nights in people aged 60 or over with insomnia and otherwise free of psychiatric or psychological disorders.

Results

24 studies (involving 24

SUBMITTER: Glass J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1285093 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature