Effects of lorazepam and its withdrawal on sleep, performance, and subjective state.

The effects of 3 mg lorazepam on polysomnographic recordings, performance, anxiety, and perceived sleep were examined. Six insomniac subjects slept in the sleep laboratory for 18 consecutive nights after having taken placebo or lorazepam. Polysomnographic data and subjective reports indicated hypnotic efficacy in terms of sleep initiation and maintenance. There was some evidence of rebound insomnia after drug withdrawal, although it was not evident from all measures. Clear performance decrements occurred during lorazepam use.