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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2005;294:418.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

An independent scientific panel convened by the National Institutes of Health has expressed concern over the widespread use of many medications to manage chronic insomnia that have not been studied for that indication. The group also noted that although insomnia drugs are approved only for short-term use, for many individuals, the problem can persist for decades.

Many of the drugs used to treat insomnia, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, have not been approved for this indication. And while newer benzodiazepine receptor agonists have fewer adverse effects than other insomnia medications, further evaluation of long-term use is needed, the panel stated.

The panel also expressed concern that many who have insomnia self-medicate with alcohol, despite health risks of excessive alcohol use and the evidence that it has a negative overall effect on sleep quality. The group added that a closer look should be taken at the potential for . . . [Full Text of this Article]