Which statement best describes the effect of zolpidem and zaleplon on sleep architecture?

Which statement best describes the effect of zolpidem and zaleplon on sleep architecture?

• A. No observed changes
• B. Increased sleep latency
• C. Decreased REM sleep
• D. Increased sleep efficiency

Answer: (D)

Zolpidem and zaleplon are nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics that enhance GABA-A receptor activity to promote sleep. They mainly improve sleep continuity without dramatically altering the overall sleep stage distribution. By reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and decreasing awakenings during the night, the total sleep time in a given time in bed increases. That rise in total sleep time relative to time in bed translates to higher sleep efficiency. They do not cause a meaningful decrease in REM sleep or large shifts in stages, and they do not increase sleep onset latency. So the best description of their effect on sleep architecture is an increase in sleep efficiency.

Zolpidem and zaleplon are nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics that enhance GABA-A receptor activity to promote sleep. They mainly improve sleep continuity without dramatically altering the overall sleep stage distribution. By reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and decreasing awakenings during the night, the total sleep time in a given time in bed increases. That rise in total sleep time relative to time in bed translates to higher sleep efficiency. They do not cause a meaningful decrease in REM sleep or large shifts in stages, and they do not increase sleep onset latency. So the best description of their effect on sleep architecture is an increase in sleep efficiency.