Table 1: Self-rated sleep outcomes from highly rated* randomized controlled trials comparing benzodiazepines with placebo
Study Washout period; d n Study duration; d Benzodiazepine; dose Sleep outcome; significance of difference (versus placebo)
Sleep latency Sleep duration Nocturnal awakenings Sleep depth Morning awakeness Sleep quality

Cohn et al25 None required 223 7 Estazolam, 1 mg Estazolam, 2 mg Flurazepam, 30 mg ND
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.05
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
p < 0.01
Elie et al70 7  36 28 + 3 d withdrawal Flurazepam, 30 mg ND p < 0.05, wk 1
ND, wk 2–4
p < 0.05, wk 1–4
Nair et al79 4–7  60 7 Flurazepam, 30 mg p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05
Walsh et al109 > 14 367 7 Estazolam, 1 mg Estazolam, 2 mg p < 0.05
p < 0.001
p < 0.001
p < 0.001
p < 0.01
p < 0.001
p < 0.001
p < 0.001
p < 0.01
p < 0.001
Elie et al76 3  48 21 + 4 d withdrawal Triazolam,
0.125–0.25 mg
p < 0.05, wk 1–3 ND,
wk 1–3
ND,
wk 1–3
ND,
wk 1–3
Meulem et al83 7  17 5 + 2 × 3 d washout Temazepam, 15 mg p < 0.05 ND ND

*Randomized, double-blinded study with > 80% follow-up of participants.
†Parallel-groups design.
‡Cross-over design.
n = number of subjects in the study; ND = no significant difference; — = not measured.