Which medication is best for a patient with difficulty falling asleep who wants to avoid daytime sedation?

The best choice for a patient with difficulty falling asleep who wants to avoid daytime sedation is Zaleplon. This medication is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic specifically designed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. One of its key advantages is its rapid onset and relatively short half-life, which makes it effective for helping patients fall asleep without causing significant residual sedation the following day.

Zaleplon works by selectively targeting the GABA-A receptors, similar to benzodiazepines, but its pharmacokinetic profile allows it to be metabolized quickly by the body. This characteristic helps minimize the risk of next-day sedation and cognitive impairment, making it particularly suitable for individuals who have concerns about feeling groggy or drowsy during the day.

In contrast, the other options include medications that do not align with the patient’s goal of avoiding daytime sedation. Temazepam and Flurazepam are both benzodiazepines with longer durations of action that can lead to prolonged sedation, as they linger in the body after their immediate effects. Buspirone, while an anxiolytic, is not indicated for sleep disorders and does not have the necessary sedative effects to help someone who has difficulty falling asleep. Therefore, Zaleplon's unique