Hypnotics, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and sedating antihistamines are among the most modifiable falls risks. At each falls assessment, list every sedating drug, including over-the-counter sleep aids, ask why each was started, and agree a plan to reduce or stop what is not needed. Where a sleep medicine is truly required, choose the option least likely to cause falls and review it at every visit.
- List all sedating drugs, including over-the-counter antihistamine sleep aids.
- Taper long-term benzodiazepines and Z-drugs slowly with the patient's agreement.
- Offer CBT for insomnia or sleep hygiene support alongside any taper.
- Record the plan so the next clinician continues it.
Why it matters
Deprescribing sedatives is one of the few falls interventions that costs nothing.
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