[Which alternative to benzodiazepines, Z-pills and other hypnotics for aged people ? Melatonin, valerian, or clomethiazole]

Dumur et al., 2018 | Rev Med Suisse | Systematic Review

Citation

Dumur Jean, Csajka Chantal, ... Lang Pierre Olivier. [Which alternative to benzodiazepines, Z-pills and other hypnotics for aged people ? Melatonin, valerian, or clomethiazole]. Rev Med Suisse. 2018-Nov-07;14(626):2018-2023

Abstract

Sleep disorders are a recurrent complaint in geriatrics. Of multifactorial origin, they have a significant impact on health and quality of life. However, the answer is (too) often the prescription of benzodiazepines or related-drugs (Z-pills), sedative antidepressant, or another psychotropic medication. More recently, melatonin, valerian and, in Switzerland, clomethiazol are widely considered as effective and more suitable alternatives for aged people. We present a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy and tolerance of these molecules, of which the main objective is to demonstrate that non-pharmacological approach must remain the first-line therapy of insomnia in geriatrics.

Key Findings

We present a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy and tolerance of these molecules, of which the main objective is to demonstrate that non-pharmacological approach must remain the first-line therapy of insomnia in geriatrics.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	insomnia

MeSH Terms

Benzodiazepines
Chlormethiazole
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives
Melatonin
Quality of Life
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Switzerland
Valerian

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: valerian

Provenance

PMID: 30422422
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09