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The use of non‐prescription sleep products in the elderly
Author(s) -
Sproule Beth A.,
Busto Usoa E.,
Buckle Carmen,
Herrmann Nathan,
Bowles Susan
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(199910)14:10<851::aid-gps33>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - medical prescription , sleep (system call) , medicine , gerontology , psychiatry , psychology , nursing , computer science , operating system
While sleep disorders are common in the elderly, the use of non‐prescription products for sleep in this population has not been fully evaluated. The objectives of this project were to assess the use, perceived effectiveness and toxicity of non‐prescription sleep products in an ambulatory elderly population. Methods A self‐administered 20‐question survey was distributed to seniors, aged 60 years or more, during hospital or pharmacy visits. Results Of the total respondents ( N =176, mean age 74±7 years, 59% female), 84 (48%) indicated that they had used one or more therapies for sleep within the past year. These included non‐prescription products (50% of therapies), prescription products (17%) and non‐drug activities such as walking or drinking milk (34%). For those individuals who had used a non‐prescription product in the past year ( N =47, 27% of total respondents), the most frequently used products were: dimenhydrinate (21%), acetaminophen (19%), diphenhydramine (15%), alcohol (13%) and herbal products (11%). Most took them at least 1 day per week (79%) and 32% took them daily. These products subjectively improved sleep latency (mean 32 vs 61 minutes, p <0.001), number of nocturnal awakenings (mean 2 vs 3 awakenings, p <0.001) and total hours of sleep (mean 6.6 vs 5.4 hours, p <0.001). Mild side‐effects were reported by 35 respondents (75%), the most common being dry mouth ( N =22) and daytime drowsiness ( N =13). Respondents were taking an average of four (SD±3, range 0–10) other medications currently. Conclusions Non‐prescription products are widely used by this population of ambulatory elderly for sleep disturbances. Most of the products were not marketed for sleep; however, they were perceived to be efficacious with low toxicity. The potential for drug interaction is high. Further research is warranted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of non‐prescription sleep products in the elderly. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.