Hypnotic Medication Use in Insomnia Patients Seeking CBT-I

Although use of prescription hypnotic medications is common among adults with chronic insomnia, little is known about use of hypnotic medication in middle-to-older age adults with insomnia disorder seeking CBT-I. A recent study assessed hypnotic medication use in patients prior to beginning CBT-I. Participants were 235 adults aged 50 or older with insomnia. 40% reported taking at least one prescription sleep medication, and 26% were prescribed multiple medications (polypharmacy). Non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists such as Ambien, Lunesta, or Sonata were the most common (52%), followed by benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, Xanax, or Ativan (36%) and Trazodone (20.0%).  This study demonstrates that a high percentage of adults with insomnia seeking CBT-I were taking medications prescribed for sleep prior to CBT-I.