Sleep Medications

DESCRIPTION

Pharmacologic treatments for sleep disturbances aim to promote relaxation, improve sleep onset and maintenance, and restore healthy circadian rhythms. These agents are selected based on the type and severity of insomnia, as well as patient-specific factors.

Benzodiazepine Hypnotics: (Temazepam, Triazolam) – Effective for inducing sleep, but use is typically limited due to the potential for tolerance, dependence, and next-day sedation.

Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics: (Zolpidem, Eszopiclone) – Often preferred for short-term management of insomnia due to their favorable safety profile and lower risk of dependency.

Melatonin Receptor Agonists: (Ramelteon, Tasimelteon) – Mimic natural melatonin activity to help regulate circadian rhythms, particularly useful for sleep-onset insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders.