Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the elderly. Its management must take into account the physiological changes associated with age, a higher frequency of comorbidities and polypharmacy.

To evaluate the management of insomnia in the elderly patients by general practitioners and to compare it with international recommendations.

We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive study among general practitioners in Sfax over a period of two months (January and February 2016). We proposed to these doctors to participate in our study by sending to them a questionnaire in their emails, which they fill anonymously.

A total of 32 doctors responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 62.5% reported that they often or very often receive elderly consulting for insomnia. Before prescribing hypnotic drugs, 65.6% of practitioners reported that they often advise lifestyle and dietary rules. The most prescribed hypnotic classes were: benzodiazepines (BZD) 59.37%; antihistamines 59.37% and homeopathic treatments 56.25%. In the last prescription, the treatment period exceeded 30 days in 18.75%. As for the prescription of BZD, molecules with long half-life were used in 37.48% of cases, and the dosage was identical to adult in 34.4% of cases.

The prescription of hypnotic treatment in the elderly meets a logical approach to care, after an accurate diagnosis, taking into account psychiatric and somatic comorbidities, the precautions and contraindications. In this context, we have identified several shortcomings in the management of insomnia in the elderly in general practice. A multiplication of training on this subject is needed.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.