Falls as a result of being on Z-drugs for insomnia

Abstract

The widespread use of non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (‘Z-drugs’) for the treatment of chronic insomnia persists, particularly in the elderly. Recently published meta-analyses have consistently shown that Z-drugs are associated with an increased risk of falls-related injury, which have a dose and time-dependent relationship similar to conventional benzodiazepines. Although insomnia itself can increase falls risk, there is some evidence to show that Z-drugs use results in an excess risk of falls independent of insomnia.