A sleeping pill can become a habit, and for certain types of medications, prescriptions must be kept short, closely monitored, and regularly reviewed. These medications, known as hypnotic benzodiazepines and related drugs, are commonly used to treat insomnia but carry risks if used for extended periods. In France, the National Health Insurance Fund has emphasized that these medications, such as zolpidem and zopiclone, should not be prescribed for more than four weeks, including any gradual reduction in dosage. This rule applies to a specific category of sleep medications, not all treatments for insomnia. Despite this, a significant number of patients are using these drugs beyond the recommended time frame. According to data from the National Health Insurance Fund's Sniiram system, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, more than two-thirds of adults prescribed these medications exceeded the maximum authorized duration. The goal is not to assign blame but to ensure that prescriptions are not renewed automatically without reassessment. The medications in question are benzodiazepines and similar drugs prescribed specifically for sleep disorders. Zolpidem and zopiclone are two of the most commonly used in this category. It is important to note that this does not refer to all insomnia treatments, as there are other approaches and medications available that do not fall into this group. These medications can be useful in certain situations, but their use must be limited to avoid dependency or other health risks. The National Health Insurance Fund recommends that prescriptions be as short as possible and that the need for continued use be reevaluated before each renewal. This ensures that patients receive the appropriate care without unnecessary long-term reliance on these drugs. For more information, readers can continue reading on Doctissimo.