Description
Sleepirest (Zopiclone) 20 mg
Sleepirest is presented as a zopiclone-containing medicine. Zopiclone is a prescription hypnotic used for short-term treatment of insomnia. The supplied product name includes 20 mg, but verified reference sources for zopiclone tablets commonly describe strengths such as 3.75 mg or 7.5 mg; the exact strength and formulation of this product should be confirmed from the official pack information before use.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
Active ingredient: zopiclone.
Class: hypnotic and sedative medicine in the benzodiazepine-related / cyclopyrrolone group. Regulatory product information classifies zopiclone as a short-acting sleep medicine for insomnia.
Established Medical Uses
Zopiclone is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep, night-time waking and early morning waking. Official product information states that treatment should be limited to the shortest possible duration because ongoing use can increase the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
How It Works
Zopiclone acts on the central nervous system by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This reduces neural activity and promotes sleep. Product information describes rapid sleep initiation and sleep maintenance effects, with less impact on normal sleep architecture than older sedative medicines.
Important Safety Information
Zopiclone is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis, respiratory failure, severe sleep apnoea syndrome, severe hepatic insufficiency, or hypersensitivity to zopiclone or excipients. It should not be used in children. Official information also warns that complex sleep behaviours, including sleepwalking and other activities performed while not fully awake, may occur and require stopping treatment.
Alcohol can enhance the sedative effect of zopiclone and is not recommended with it. Other central nervous system depressants may also increase sedation. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, chronic respiratory insufficiency, older age, or a history of substance misuse, because dependence, withdrawal and next-day impairment may be more likely.
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include bitter taste or dysgeusia, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, and next-day impairment. Less common but clinically important reactions include confusion, abnormal behaviour, memory disturbance, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and complex sleep behaviours. Rarely, serious respiratory effects or severe behavioural reactions may occur, particularly when combined with other sedating substances.
Scientific Evidence
PubMed-indexed reviews and systematic reviews indicate that zopiclone can reduce sleep latency, nocturnal awakenings and wake after sleep onset, while increasing total sleep time in adults with insomnia. Evidence also shows a recognized safety burden dominated by sedation-related adverse effects and dysgeusia. Across comparative analyses, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zopiclone show clinically relevant sleep benefits, but tolerability and dependence risks remain important considerations.
Medical Information Notice
This educational summary is based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- Medicines.org.uk (emc): Zopiclone 7.5mg film-coated tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics
- Medicines.org.uk (emc): Zopiclone 3.75mg film-coated tablets, Summary of Product Characteristics
- Roth et al.: Zopiclone to treat insomnia in older adults: A systematic review (PubMed, 2021)
