THE USE OF TRIAZOLAM IN OLDER PATIENTS WITH PERIODIC LEG MOVEMENTS, FRAGMENTED SLEEP, AND DAYTIME SLEEPINESS

Many studies have shown a relationship between fragmented nocturnal sleep and daytime sleepiness. In the current study, 11 patients, aged 55-75, were identified with fragmented nocturnal sleep secondary to periodic leg movements and objective daytime sleepiness as verified by the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). In a double-blind, repeated measures, cross-over design, patients had three nights of treatment with placebo, 0.125 mg of triazolam, or 0.25 mg of triazolam following an adaptation night. Although total leg movements were not changed, the medication increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency while decreasing the number of stage changes. Generally, daytime performance and objective alertness were significantly improved following the use of triazolam. It was concluded that acute use of triazolam, particularly the 0.125 mg dose, could improve sleep and daytime function in older patients with periodic leg movements, fragmented sleep, and daytime sleepiness.