Highlights

Sedative Hypnotic Drug Warnings

In March 2007, the FDA ordered stronger warning labels on sedative hypnotic drugs. These medications include benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), ramelteon (Rozerem), and triazolam (Halcion). The FDA warned that these drugs may be associated with:

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and severe facial swelling (angioedema), which can occur even the first time a drug is taken
Complex sleep-related behaviors, such as sleep driving, making phone calls, and preparing and eating food while asleep

Patients who take sleeping pills should be sure to follow the directions. These include not combining sleeping pills with alcohol or other drugs and not taking more than the prescribed dose. All patients prescribed sedative hypnotic drugs should receive a patient medication guide that describes the potential risks, and precautions to reduce these risks.

Behavioral and Psychological Therapies

Behavioral and psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, are effective approaches for insomnia and can produce long-lasting benefits, according to a 2006 study in Sleep.
Behavioral interventions help over 80% of children who try them, indicates another 2006 Sleep study.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

More than 1.6 million adults use complementary and alternative medicine to treat their insomnia, according to results of a national survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. About half of patients who tried herbal medicine or relaxation techniques found that these approaches helped improve their sleep.
In 2006, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a position statement advising that there is only limited scientific evidence that herbal remedies are effective sleep aids.

Insomnia and Mood Disorders

Chronic insomnia can increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety, according to a 2007 study in Sleep. Research also indicates that insomnia and daytime sleepiness can cause and worsen depression and anxiety in children as well as adults.

Review Date: 12/21/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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