Seasonal and gender-specific patterns in prescriptions for hypnotic and sedative medications in primary care - Takeaways - 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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  • 1

    Prescription data analysis revealed seasonal trends in hypnotic and sedative medication use, with lowest prescriptions in summer and highest in winter.

  • 2

    Longer daylight exposure was associated with reduced prescription rates, particularly affecting men more than women.

  • 3

    The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted sleep medication prescribing patterns, likely due to limited healthcare access.

  • 4

    Transitions between standard and daylight saving time had measurable short-term effects on sleep-related health in the population.

  • 5

    This study highlights clear seasonality and gender differences in prescribing patterns for hypnotic and sedative medications.

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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