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Older People Spend Less Time Asleep

Sherene Chen See is a freelance writer from Toronto, Ontario. We regret that Sherene Chen See's articles are not available on-line.

Guidelines for treating Insomnia In The Older Person
  • Use the lowest effective dose of a single agent
  • Use intermittent dosing
  • Short-term use (do not use hypnotic mediation on a regular basis for >3-4 weeks)
  • Limited use of sedative-hypnotics (2-4 times per week)
  • Gradual discontinuation
  • Monitor for reoccurence of insomnia following discontinuation of medication
  • Avoid ultra-short-acting benzodiazepines (e.g. triazolam)

 

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