Use of hypnotic drugs among children, adolescents, and young adults in Scandinavia

Background Hypnotic use in children and adolescents is controversial. Objective To describe the of hypnotic drugs (melatonin, z-drugs, sedating antihistamines) among 5- to 24-year-old Scandinavians during 2012 2018. Methods Aggregate-level data were obtained from public sources Sweden, Norway, Denmark. We calculated annual prevalence (users/1000 inhabitants) stratified by age group, sex, country. Quantity (Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/user/day) was estimated for Norway Results Melatonin most commonly used hypnotic, its increased markedly 2018, particularly females 15- individuals. Sweden had highest increase (6.5 25/1000) compared with (10–20/1000) Denmark (5.7–12/1000). The antihistamine also reaching 13/1000 2018 comparison 7.5/1000 2.5/1000 Z-drug decreased all countries toward dropping 3.5/1000 4.4/1000 1.7/1000 quantity 0.8–1.0 DDD/user/day melatonin as 0.1–0.3 z-drugs antihistamines. Conclusion antihistamines young 2012–2018, twice high In addition, Scandinavian variation could reflect differences frequency sleep problems between populations or healthcare access clinical practice countries.