Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
Sedative hypnotic use among veterans with a newly reported mental health disorder
Elizabeth A DiNapoli1, Adam D Bramoweth1, Christopher Cinna1
1VISN 4 Mental Illness Research,Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC),VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System,Pittsburgh,PA,USA.
Background:
This study compared sedative hypnotic use by type of mental health diagnosis and determined factors associated with use among older veterans (65+ years) with a newly reported mental health disorder.
Methods:
This study used data from veterans who received primary care services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011 (n = 879).
Results:
Sedative hypnotics were commonly used in older veterans within 12-months following a newly reported mental health disorder (19.9%), particularly amongst those with insomnia (41.7%). The number of newly reported mental health disorders was a significant factor associated with sedative hypnotic use, with the odds of use increasing by more than 200% in older adults with two newly reported disorders compared to those with one newly reported mental health disorder.
Conclusions:
Continued efforts are needed to improve provider and patient awareness of the risks associated with sedative hypnotic use in older adults, as well as to increase access to and receipt of non-pharmacological mental health treatments for this vulnerable population.
More Related Videos
06:23A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
04:33Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...