Comparative efficacy of hypnotics in young and middle-aged adults with insomnia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Neurexan Prescription Is Associated with Lower Risk of Sleep Disorder Recurrence and Depression Prevalence as Compared to Z-Drugs and Benzodiazepines: A Retrospective Database Analysis in Germany

Real-world evidence on the association between natural medicinal products and the recurrence of sleep disorders is currently limited, particularly when compared to the evidence reported for prescription hypnotics. In a retrospective cohort analysis, we investigated patients with sleep disorders prescribed either the natural medicinal product Neurexan (Nx4), benzodiazepines, or nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs) using the IQVIA Disease Analyzer database, which encompasses electronic medical records nationwide in Germany. A 1:1 matching procedure based on age, sex, prevalent depression, anxiety or adjustment disorder, and the number of medical consultations in the past 12 months resulted in four cohorts: patients prescribed Nx4 were matched with those prescribed Z-drugs (two cohorts with 8594 matched patients each), and another cohort of patients prescribed Nx4 were matched with those prescribed benzodiazepines (7779 matched pairs). Results from multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models demonstrated that Nx4 was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrent sleep disorder diagnosis within 30-365 days after prescription compared to both Z-drugs (HR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.60-0.70, p < 0.001) and benzodiazepines (HR = 0.85, 95%CI = 0.79-0.93, p < 0.001). Additionally, Nx4 was associated with a lower prevalence of depression compared to Z-drugs (HR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.83-0.98, p = 0.020) and benzodiazepines (HR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.82-0.97, p = 0.009). These findings suggest an association between Nx4 and improved sleep and mental health outcomes. However, due to inherent limitations in the study design, the causality of this relationship cannot be stated.

The European Insomnia Guideline: An update on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia 2023

Progress in the field of insomnia since 2017 necessitated this update of the European Insomnia Guideline. Recommendations for the diagnostic procedure for insomnia and its comorbidities are: clinical interview (encompassing sleep and medical history); the use of sleep questionnaires and diaries (and physical examination and additional measures where indicated) (A). Actigraphy is not recommended for the routine evaluation of insomnia (C), but may be useful for differential-diagnostic purposes (A). Polysomnography should be used to evaluate other sleep disorders if suspected (i.e. periodic limb movement disorder, sleep-related breathing disorders, etc.), treatment-resistant insomnia (A) and for other indications (B). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults of any age (including patients with comorbidities), either applied in-person or digitally (A). When cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia is not sufficiently effective, a pharmacological intervention can be offered (A). Benzodiazepines (A), benzodiazepine receptor agonists (A), daridorexant (A) and low-dose sedating antidepressants (B) can be used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (≤ 4 weeks). Longer-term treatment with these substances may be initiated in some cases, considering advantages and disadvantages (B). Orexin receptor antagonists can be used for periods of up to 3 months or longer in some cases (A). Prolonged-release melatonin can be used for up to 3 months in patients ≥ 55 years (B). Antihistaminergic drugs, antipsychotics, fast-release melatonin, ramelteon and phytotherapeutics are not recommended for insomnia treatment (A). Light therapy and exercise interventions may be useful as adjunct therapies to cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (B).