Does Perceived Dosage of BZRAs Affect Sleep Quality in Older Adults?
Author Information
Author(s): Wong Sarah, Mitchell Michael, Camacho Karen, Nguyen Thien, Fung Constance
Primary Institution: Touro University California
Hypothesis
Does the perceived dosage of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) during tapering affect sleep quality in older adults?
Conclusion
Participants who perceived taking a higher dosage of BZRA reported better sleep quality.
Supporting Evidence
- Pharmacokinetic measures were not significantly associated with dosage underestimation.
- Dosage overestimation was associated with improved sleep efficiency.
- Dosage underestimation was associated with worse sleep quality.
Takeaway
If older adults think they are taking more of their sleep medicine, they might sleep better, even if that's not true.
Methodology
Data from a masked tapering arm of a randomized clinical trial was used to investigate relationships among BZRA pharmacokinetics, perceived dosage, and sleep quality.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to self-reported perceptions of dosage.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors affecting sleep quality beyond perceived dosage.
Participant Demographics
67% male, mean age 69.2 years, 77.5% White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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