EFFECTS OF TRIAZOLAM ON SLEEP, DAYTIME SLEEPINESS, AND MORNING STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Objective. To evaluate the effects of triazolam upon insomnia and dayt ime sleepiness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Tr iazolam or placebo was administered during two 7 night periods to 15 p atients with RA in a double blind crossover study. Polysomnographic re cordings were conducted on the last 2 nights of each condition, and mu ltiple sleep latency tests and mood and arthritis assessments were per formed during the intervening day in each condition. Results. In the triazolam condition, total sleep time was increased, daytime sleepines s was reduced, and morning stiffness was improved compared to placebo. Objective measures of sleep fragmentation were unchanged. Clinical ar thritis assessments were similar during both conditions. Conclusion. S hort term hypnotic therapy improves sleep in patients with RA and appe ars to improve morning stiffness and daytime sleepiness.