['Although hypnotics are primarily used by older people, the residual effects the morning after a single nighttime intake of the two most commonly prescribed hypnotics, zolpidem (Zp) and zopiclone (Zc), on older middle-aged drivers have not been evaluated and compared.', "Sixteen healthy subjects, 55 to 65\xa0years of age, participated in this double-blind, balanced, cross-over study. Zc (7.5\xa0mg), Zp (10\xa0mg) and flunitrazepam (Fln) (1\xa0mg) or a placebo was administered at each subject's home at 11.00\xa0pm. The next morning, at 9.00\xa0am, the subjects had to drive in a simulated monotonous driving environment for 1\xa0h. During each morning session, two blood samples were collected, and subjective feelings of alertness were completed three times.", 'In comparison to placebo, Zp and Zc equivalently and significantly impaired the standard deviation of lateral position, the standard deviation of speed and the number of road exits. Detectable blood concentrations were found with Zp in 11 subjects at 8.30\xa0am and at 1.30\xa0pm. The subjective alertness factor was significantly impaired with Zp.'] Do zolpidem and zopiclone impair similarly monotonous driving performance after a single nighttime intake in aged subjects?