Psychiatr. praxi. 2024;25(3):E1-E5 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2024.026

Reasons and impacts of hypnotic overuse in seniors

Mgr. Petra Höferová, PhDr. Eva Aigelová, Ph.D.
Katedra psychologie, Filozofická fakulta, Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci

The aim of the research was to determine the reasons for the overuse of hypnotics, how sleep changes due to their overuse, the negative effects observed by the users themselves, and whether withdrawal symptoms occur after discontinuing the medication. The research sample consisted of 11 seniors and 4 close persons of the seniors and caregivers. The research employed a qualitative design. The research method was a semi-structured interview, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for subsequent data processing. 



Results: The most common reasons for the overuse of hypnotics include sleep problems and a lack of awareness of the risks associated with overuse. No changes in sleep or effects of hypnotics the day after their use were recorded. Users do not experience negative effects when using hypnotics and do not observe physical withdrawal symptoms but reported feelings of fear, anger, or anxiety. Close persons are often unaware of the overuse of hypnotics, making it difficult for them to address the situation. Regular education by the doctor as a prevention of abuse and addiction is neglected or appears to be insufficient.

Keywords: hypnotics, seniors, misuse, sleep

Accepted: October 4, 2024; Published: November 15, 2024  Show citation

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Höferová P, Aigelová E. Reasons and impacts of hypnotic overuse in seniors. Psychiatr. praxi. 2024;25(3):E1-5. doi: 10.36290/psy.2024.026.
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