Sleep, performance, and plasma levels in chronic insomniacs during 14-day use of flurazepam and midazolam: an introduction.

A review of the published literature reveals many unanswered questions regarding the effects of sedative-hypnotics on sleep, performance, and mood. The relationship between plasma half-life and hypnotic efficacy is also not clear. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-groups, multicenter study was designed to examine sleep, performance, and mood in patients with insomnia. A large, heterogeneous sample of patients with a history of benzodiazepine use for chronic insomnia was chosen to reflect the adult population for which sedative-hypnotics are often prescribed and to ensure statistical reliability. Although the major focus of the current study was on the effects of two benzodiazepine hypnotics on performance, this study also provided information on the following important issues: (1) effect of dose level; (2) short-versus long-term administration; and (3) significance of plasma half-life as it relates to hypnotic efficacy.