A subjective and objective method assessing the efficacy of hypnotic medications in insomniacs.

The response of chronic insomniacs to 100 mg pentobarbital, 300 mg methyprylon, 500 mg glutethimide, and placebo was assessed using our previously described subjective and objective techniques. The purpose of the study was to examine (1) the presence or absence of the subjects' reported insomnia; (2) the subjects' ability to discriminate between active hypnotic drugs and placebo; and (3) whether any preference existed among active medications. Statistically significant findings included a high degree of correlation (P less than 0.001) between subjective and objective data and greater response to active medications as compared to placebo shown on all parameters except objective onset of sleep. In no case was there significant difference between the two nights of placebo. Although methyprylon was most frequently superior to placebo, there was no significant patient preference for any of the active medications.