What is a common side effect of sedative-hypnotics regarding sleep?

Sedative-hypnotics are commonly used to promote sleep and relaxation, but one of their notable effects is the suppression of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. REM sleep is a critical stage in the sleep cycle associated with dreaming and emotional regulation. While sedative-hypnotics can help individuals fall asleep more quickly and may increase the total sleeping time, they often do so at the expense of the REM phase.

Research has shown that many sedative-hypnotics can lead to a decrease in the amount and quality of REM sleep. This suppression can result in diminished restorative sleep, potentially impacting mood, cognitive function, and overall health. Understanding this side effect is crucial for monitoring patients who are prescribed these medications, as altered sleep patterns can have long-term consequences for their mental and physical well-being.

In contrast, options suggesting an increase in REM sleep or improvement in overall sleep quality do not align with the established effects of sedative-hypnotics, as these medications primarily alter the sleep architecture rather than enhancing it. Similarly, while some individuals may experience vivid dreams, this is not a definitive or common effect linked to these medications; rather, it may occur in some cases due to alterations in sleep stages.