The effect of midazolam on transient insomnia

We have assessed the effect of midazolam on sleep in a model of transient insomnia in healthy adults using polysomnographic recordings. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (placebo or midazolam 7.5 or 15 mg) and spent a single night in the sleep laboratory. Midazolam or placebo were given double-blind immediately before turning off the lights. Midazolam 15 mg was effective in inducing sleep, while 7.5 mg and 15 mg produced improvement in the maintenance of sleep. Subjectively, sleep latency and the number of awakenings were reduced dose-dependently. Midazolam did not impair psychomotor performance on the morning after administration.