Flurazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, is a hypnotic agent which does not appear to decrease dream time as measured by rapid eye movements (REM). Furthermore, it decreases sleep latency and number of awakenings for a consequent increase in total sleep time. In controlled sleep laboratory studies of 20 human insomniac subjects utilizing all night electroencephalograph (EEG), electromyograph (EMG), and electro-oculograph (EOG) recordings, flurazepam usually induced sleep within 22 minutes and usually provided 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Flurazepam is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is rapidly metabolized. Both hydroxyethyl flurazepam (the major metabolite) and N-desalkyl flurazepam are active. The N-desalkyl metabolite is slowly excreted in the urine as the conjugated form. Because of the long half-life of this metabolite (47 to 100 hours), peak hypnotic effect of flurazepam may be reached after 2 to 3 nights of use. Flurazepam Indications Insomnia, characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings and/or early morning awakening. For short-term and intermittent use in patients with recurring insomnia and poor sleeping habits; however, the safety and efficacy of long-term use has not been established.