The use of benzodiazepine for sleep in the elderly

When benzodiazepines are used for sleep in the elderly, it is important to prescribe the lowest effective dose and those agents with short half-lives (ie, triazolam, temazepam, lorazepam, and oxazepam) to avoid an increase in the incidence of adverse drug reactions. Also, it is important to maximize hypnotic therapy by encouraging nonpharmacologic methods of sleep.