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Hypnotic drugs, psychomotor performance and ageing
1Department of Health Care of the Elderly, University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG72UH.
Journal of Sleep Research
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Older adults may experience residual psychomotor impairment from hypnotic drugs. Longer half-life medications and frailty increase risks, but prediction remains unreliable, necessitating clinical caution.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Hypnotic drug use is common in older populations.
- Concerns exist regarding residual effects on cognitive and motor functions.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results on the impact of hypnotics in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize studies on the residual effects of hypnotic drugs on psychomotor performance in older adults.
- To identify factors associated with residual impairment.
- To assess the quality of evidence and identify gaps in research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published since 1976.
- Inclusion of 33 studies with 934 participants (aged 60-96 years).
- Analysis of 169 drug vs. placebo or drug vs. drug comparisons.
Main Results:
- 42 comparisons showed significant residual impairment.
- Impairment was associated with longer half-life drugs, repeated dosing, and frailty, though these were not always reliable predictors.
- Performance improvements were rare and often attributable to practice effects.
Conclusions:
- Existing literature supports clinical caution regarding hypnotic drug use in older adults.
- Current research lacks experimental rigor, limiting the ability to predict specific real-life skill impairments.
- Further research addressing methodological issues is needed to clarify risks and benefits.