Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Hypnotics should never be used in patients with sleep apnea
Abstract:
Although benzodiazepine medication is generally considered to be inappropriate for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, further investigation is required to evaluate this. Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics may improve sleep quality without causing respiratory depression. In central sleep apnea, hypnotics not only improve sleep but also decrease apnea frequency probably by reducing arousals and elevating arterial PCO2. Consequently, I submit that the statement 'hypnotics should not be used in patients with sleep apnea' should be changed to 'hypnotics may sometimes be used in patients with sleep apnea'.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
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...
Management of Insomnia
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates
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: 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...

