Chronic use of triazolam in patients with periodic leg movements, fragmented sleep and daytime sleepiness.

Many studies have shown a relationship between fragmented nocturnal sleep and daytime sleepiness. In the current study, 9 patients, aged 55-79, with fragmented nocturnal sleep secondary to periodic leg movements and objective daytime sleepiness, as verified by Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), had 12 weeks of treatment with 0.125 mg of triazolam following 2 screening nights and 2 placebo baseline nights; 2 final placebo nights were placed 5 nights following the last medication night. The medication increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency throughout the administration period, as compared to average placebo values; total leg movements were not changed. Generally, daytime performance, as measured by a vigilance task, and objective alertness, as measured by MSLT, were improved following the use of triazolam. No adverse reactions or significant side effects were noted. It was concluded that 0.125 mg triazolam, when used for up to 3 months, could improve sleep and daytime function in older patients with periodic leg movements, fragmented sleep, and daytime sleepiness.