Residual Effects of Sleep Medications Are Commonly Reported and Associated with Impaired Patient-Reported Outcomes among Insomnia Patients in the United States

Abstract

Study Objective . To measure the association of symptoms attributed to residual effects of sleep medication (e.g., drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired memory) on self-reported functioning and satisfaction with these medications. Methods . Individuals using prescription medications for insomnia were invited to complete an Internet-based survey. Respondents were compared according to the presence of self-reported residual effects; relationships between severity of these effects and outcomes were modeled using regression. Measures included the Brief Insomnia Questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and SATMED-Q. Subgroup analyses were conducted with patients aged ≥65 years. Approximately 80% reported experiencing ≥1 residual effect. The severity of residual effects was associated with increased residual effect-related work impairment, including absenteeism (RR = 1.46, p < 0.001 ), presenteeism (RR = 1.12, p < 0.001 ), overall work impairment (RR = 1.13, p < 0.001 ), and nonwork activity impairment (RR = 1.11, p < 0.001 ). More severe residual symptoms were also associated with increased difficulty in home management (Beta = .31, p < 0.001 ), ability to work (Beta = .31, p < 0.001 ), social relationships, (Beta = .32, p < 0.001 ), close personal relationships (Beta = .30, p < 0.001 ), and lower medication satisfaction (Beta = - . 37 , p < 0.001 ). Conclusions . Individuals using medications for insomnia commonly experience symptoms considered as residual effects, and these symptoms are associated with greater interference of sleep-related problems at work, at home, and with social relationships.