Seasonal and gender-specific patterns in prescriptions for hypnotic and sedative medications in primary care - Report - MDSpire

Seasonal and gender-specific patterns in prescriptions for hypnotic and sedative medications in primary care

  • By

  • Małgorzata Zofia Romaszko

  • Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk

  • Leszek Gromadziński

  • Julia Gajkowska

  • Michal Majewski

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Analysis of Seasonal and Gender-Related Trends in Hypnotic and Sedative Medication Prescriptions

Overview

This study analyzes seasonal and gender-related trends in prescriptions for hypnotic and sedative medications in primary care settings. Findings indicate significant seasonal variations and gender differences in prescribing patterns, particularly influenced by daylight exposure and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are a major public health concern affecting a significant portion of the population. Understanding prescribing patterns for hypnotic and sedative medications can provide insights into the prevalence and management of these disorders. This study highlights the importance of analyzing prescription data to assess seasonal trends and gender differences in treatment approaches.

Data Highlights

SeasonPrescription Rate (IRR)
WinterHighest
SummerLowest
Men (Feb-Sep)0.88-0.95
Women (Jun-Aug)0.94-0.97

Key Findings

  • Prescription rates for hypnotics and sedatives are lowest in summer and highest in winter and early spring.
  • Longer day length is associated with reduced prescription rates.
  • Men showed a more pronounced decline in prescriptions from February to September compared to women.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in prescription numbers.
  • Transitions between standard and daylight saving time affected sleep-related health and prescription rates.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider seasonal variations and gender differences when prescribing hypnotic and sedative medications. Awareness of the impact of daylight exposure and recent healthcare disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies for sleep disorders.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for ongoing evaluation of prescribing patterns for sleep medications, particularly in light of seasonal and gender-related trends. These insights can inform better management of sleep disorders in primary care settings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2021 -- Analysis of Hypnotic Medication Prescribing Trends Among Patients Starting Treatment in Japanese Hospitals
  2. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2017 -- Use of Sedative Medications During Inpatient Care: Findings from a Swiss Prospective Analysis
  3. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2024 -- Factors Influencing Psychotropic Medication Usage in Acutely Admitted Elderly Patients
  4. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2018 -- Evolving Practices in Procedural Sedation with Local Anesthesia for Catheter Ablation, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Endoscopic Surgery in Japan
  5. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Insomnia, 2025
  6. The effect of Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists on sleep: a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis, 2026
  7. Seasonal and geographic variation in sleep duration among U.S. adults: Evidence from the 2022 BRFSS
  8. https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/CD/insomnia/I-OSA-CPG_2025-Guideline_final_20250915.pdf
  9. The effect of Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists on sleep: a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  10. Seasonal and geographic variation in sleep duration among U.S. adults: Evidence from the 2022 BRFSS - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Seasonal and gender-specific patterns in prescriptions for hypnotic and sedative medications in primary care

  • by Małgorzata Zofia Romaszko, Katarzyna Glińska-Lewczuk, Leszek Gromadziński, Julia Gajkowska, Michal Majewski

  • May 20, 2026

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