Patients' knowledge and attitudes regarding sleep and hypnotics.

OBJECTIVE

To examine attitudes, opinions and knowledge regarding hypnotics and their use, sleep and sleep requirements among patients who have used hypnotics.

DESIGN

A mailed questionnaire.

SETTING

A primary health care centre serving 18,500 inhabitants.

PATIENTS

143 randomly selected patients for whom hypnotics had been prescribed at the health care centre at any time during the year previous to the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Answers to 21 questions about sleep, sleep requirement, use and effect of hypnotics.

RESULTS

Regular use of hypnotics over long periods is common. Participants endure sleeping problems before beginning to use hypnotics. Once on pills most patients take hypnotics without first trying to fall asleep. Knowledge about sleeping hygiene was good and household remedies are much used. Feelings of guilt about using hypnotics were not common. Elderly people were less informed than younger about the effects and disadvantages of use of hypnotics.

CONCLUSION

Most patients are well informed about the benefits of hypnotics and possible abuse or addictive effects. Most begin using hypnotics after long-standing sleep problems and after trying various household remedies. Doctors have a lot of influence on patients' use of hypnotics and need to inform their patients well when hypnotics are first prescribed.