title: [Benzodiazepines and sleep].
abstract: Benzodiazepines currently represent the most widely prescribed family of hypnotic drugs. They possess obvious advantages: actual hypnotic efficacy, at least with short-term use, low toxicity, and excellent tolerance. However, several side effects need to be mentioned: besides morning drowsiness (which represents the untoward continuation of their sedative properties), anterograde amnesia, increase of daytime anxiety, and rebound insomnia. Moreover, benzodiazepines significantly modify several sleep parameters: they decrease slow wave sleep and delay the first period of REM sleep. Any hypnotic benzodiazepine should only be prescribed in case of actual need and after exclusion of non-pharmacologic means. The "softest" agent, at the lowest dose, and during the shortest period should always be preferred.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ansseau
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001530:Belgium; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D001569:Benzodiazepines
vernacular_title: Benzodiazépines et sommeil.