Under sleep-laboratory control, the efficacy of
flurazepam hydrochloride (15 mg) was evaluated in 6 women (age range, 67-82 years) with objectively verified
insomnia. A 15-night, single-blind, crossover procedure was followed. Sleep records obtained during 3 placebo-baseline nights, 7 consecutive
flurazepam nights, and 3 placebo-withdrawal nights were evaluated by means of electroencephalographic, electro-oculographic, and electromyographic criteria. A statistically significant reduction in sleep latency and total awake time and a corresponding increase in total sleep time (P less than 0.05) were demonstrated during the active
drug period. No evidence of diminishing effectiveness was observed during the 7 days of
drug administration. For the rapid-eye-movement (REM) stage, a significant decrease (P less than 0.05) in mean REM percent was noted during the
drug period despite an increase in mean absolute REM time. No REM rebound occurred upon
drug withdrawal. There were no significant changes in mean percentages for stages 3 and 4 during the
drug period and the withdrawal period. Adverse reactions were rare (chiefly some daytime drowsiness in 2 subjects).