Information on the duration and severity of residual effects of 11 hypnotics (flunitrazepam, flurazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam, temazepam, triazolam, zaleplon, zolpidem and zopiclone) was derived from expert ratings, a meta-analysis and actual driving studies. This article reviews epidemiological evidence on the effect of hypnotics on patients’ risk for accidents such as traffic accidents, falls and hip fractures (i.e.

However, the severity and duration of these effects varies considerably between hypnotics and is strongly dependent on the dose administered. residual daytime sleepiness and impairment of psychomotor and cognitive functioning the day after bedtime administration, is one of the main problems associated with the use of hypnotics.