EFFECT OF THE USE OF SLEEP MEDICATION IN DUTCH HOSPITALS ON THE USE OF SLEEP MEDICATION AT HOME

Insomnia is an important nursing problem in hospitals. Although the us e of sleep medication is often criticized, it is one of the commonest interventions with regard to sleep problems. In this study, the effect of the administration of sleep medication in Dutch hospitals on the u se of sleep medication at home is investigated. Only patients were inc luded who had never used sleep medication before admittance in hospita l. Results show that patients who used sleep medication for at least 5 days in hospital (n=233) used sleep medication more often at home aft er discharge than patients who did not use sleep medication in hospita l (n=55). Furthermore, the study showed that those patients who used a t least 5 days' sleep medication, especially those patients who used s leep medication more often in hospital, also used sleep medication mor e often at home. This is in line with the addictive effects of sleep m edication. From these results it can be concluded that the administrat ion of sleep medication is not without danger. Therefore, it is recomm ended to search for alternative interventions, especially for patients who are in hospital for a longer period.