Which benzodiazepines are typically effective for sleep?

• A. Alprazolam, Diazepam
• B. Lorazepam, Temazepam
• C. Clonazepam, Midazolam
• D. Oxazepam, Flurazepam

Answer: (B)

Benzodiazepines are commonly used for their sedative and hypnotic properties, making them effective options for managing sleep disorders. The combination of Lorazepam and Temazepam is particularly notable for this purpose.

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that has a relatively short onset of action and a moderate duration, making it suitable for both helping individuals fall asleep and staying asleep, particularly when anxiety is also a concern. It is often prescribed for insomnia or sleep disturbances associated with anxiety.

Temazepam is specifically indicated for the treatment of insomnia. It tends to have a favorable pharmacokinetic profile for sleep initiation and maintenance by promoting sleep without producing excessive daytime sedation. Temazepam helps people fall asleep faster and improves total sleep time.

While the other choices contain benzodiazepines, they are less associated with sleep effectiveness. For instance, Alprazolam and Diazepam are used more for anxiety and muscle relaxation rather than primarily for sleep. Clonazepam and Midazolam, while having sedative effects, have associations with significant potential for dependence or side effects that may limit their use specifically for sleep. Oxazepam and Flurazepam, although sedative, are not the first-line treatments for insomnia compared to Loraz