Compositions and methods of treating middle-of-the night insomnia

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating middle-of-the-night insomnia without residual sedative effects upon awakening by administering low doses (about 5 mg or less) of zolpidem or a salt thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 684,842, filed May 25, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 741,673, filed Dec. 1, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 788,340, filed Mar. 31, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 788,249, filed Mar. 31, 2006, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Until recently, medical literature has recognized four types of insomnia, including sleep onset insomnia (e.g., trouble falling asleep at bedtime), sleep maintenance insomnia (e.g., disturbed sleep during the night), early morning awakening, and transient insomnia (e.g., new environment, first night in hotel syndrome). However, according to the National Sleep Foundation's 2005 “Sleep in America” poll, about 20% of total respondents and about 50% of respondents reporting insomnia symptoms complained of waking u...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, currently available hypnotic medications are unsuitable for treating MOTN insomnia because they are slow to induce sleep (e.g., zaleplon) and / or require administration prior to about 7 to 9 hours in bed to avoid residual sleepiness in the morning (e.g., available dosage forms of zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zopiclone).

Also, administration of most presently available hypnotics is prophylactic, resulting in unnecessary medication and overmedication of persons who require treatment for their MOTN insomnia a few nights a week.

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