Elderly patients should, therefore, be prescribed medications that are shorter acting and in lower doses. However, all of these compounds differ in effectiveness, safety, side effects and risks. In addition, some of these have been well-researched, while many unanswered questions remain about others. Prescription hypnotic drugs act at sites in the brain thought to be involved in promoting sleep. Their effectiveness is well-established and their safety has been demonstrated.
Side effects are predictable, short-lived and relatively benign.
They include memory impairment, rebound insomnia, drowsiness and performance impairment. However, clinically significant side effects are relatively uncommon and increase with higher doses. Prescription hypnotics also have a low risk of abuse and are safe in overdose. Efforts should be made to limit the duration of their use, but their role in both acute and chronic insomnia is clear. Some medications not approved for use as hypnotics by the FDA are nevertheless used to promote sleep.