title: Use of hypnotics in the elderly.
abstract: Nearly 40 percent of Americans complain about insomnia. Such complaints are even more common among the elderly, possibly because sleep efficiency decreases with age. As a result, the use of hypnotics in this age group is high--sometimes too high. Hypnotics can be addictive, and many have a low therapeutic index. The benzodiazepine agents are safest for use in the elderly. Many elderly patients exhibit a marked increase in sensitivity to these hypnotics.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001682:Biological Availability; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D012737:Sex Factors; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D001569:Benzodiazepines