[Clinical aspects of hypnotics]

Knowledge of benefits and risks of these substances are important for a low-risk-treatment with hypnotics. Different questions occur, such as short- oder long-acting hypnotics? Disturbing interactions? Duration of therapy? Risks of amnesia? Insomnia of old people? Alternatives to Benzodiazepin-Hypnotics? In each case the application of these hypnotics should follow along the "3 S Line": straight indication, small dose, short application. There does not exist an universal principle of therapy for people who suffer from insomnia. This serious disease is often very agonizing for them. As a pharmacologic instrument there is yet no alternative to Benzodiazepines.