Which type of hypnotics is useful for sustaining sleep throughout the night?

Intermediate-acting hypnotics are designed to provide a balance between the onset of sleep and the duration of action. They are effective in helping individuals not only fall asleep but also maintain sleep throughout the night, making them particularly beneficial for those experiencing insomnia characterized by difficulty staying asleep.

The pharmacokinetics of intermediate-acting hypnotics allow for a longer duration of action compared to short-acting hypnotics, which may help users fall asleep quickly but often result in waking during the night. Long-acting hypnotics, while also capable of sustaining sleep, could potentially lead to residual effects the following day, such as grogginess or impaired cognitive function. Barbiturates, though they can be effective for inducing sleep, carry a higher risk of dependence and overdose and are less commonly used in contemporary practice due to safety concerns.

Thus, intermediate-acting hypnotics provide the optimal balance for individuals needing sustained sleep without the drawbacks of longer-acting agents.