[Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists in the treatment of sleep disorders--importance and dangers. Evaluation from the clinical medical view].

After first giving an overview about the epidemiological situation, the indications and contraindications of benzodiazepines as well as those of the newer short-time hypnotics zolpidem and zopiclone are reviewed. Premises for their use and alternatives to their application are discussed and the different substances are discussed for their clinical use. Problems of drug abuse and addiction are accounted in detail for these effective and little toxic agents. Finally recommendations for treatment are given to contribute to a more critical and scientific way of prescribing these valuable, though problematic, drugs.