Which medication has a greater risk of daytime sedation compared to zaleplon?

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used as a sleep aid. It has a longer duration of action compared to zaleplon, which is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic primarily used for reducing sleep onset latency. Due to its longer half-life, temazepam can remain in the system for an extended period, leading to a higher likelihood of causing sedation during the daytime hours, especially if taken later in the night or if the prescribed dose is higher.

In contrast, zaleplon is designed for short-term use and is metabolized relatively quickly, reducing its sedative effects into the following day. This characteristic makes it useful for those who may experience difficulties falling asleep without residual sedation the next day. Thus, temazepam's pharmacokinetic properties correlate with an increased risk of daytime sedation compared to zaleplon.

Other medications listed, like buspirone, eszopiclone, and doxepin, also have specific uses or effects but do not carry the same risk of daytime sedation when compared directly with temazepam due to their different mechanisms of action or pharmacokinetics.