Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the elderly. Its management must take into account the physiological changes associated with age, a higher frequency of co-morbidities and polypharmacy.

To evaluate the management of insomnia in the elderly patients by general practitioners and to compare it with international recommendations.

We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive study among general practitioners in Sfax over a period of two months (January and February 2016). We proposed to these doctors to participate in our study by sending to them a questionnaire in their emails, which they fill anonymously.

A total of 32 doctors responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 62.5% reported that they often or very often receive elderly consulting for insomnia. Before prescribing hypnotic drugs, 65.6% of practitioners reported that they often advise lifestyle and dietary rules. The most prescribed hypnotic classes were: benzodiazepines (BZD) 59.37%; antihistamines 59.37% and homeopathic treatments 56.25%. In the last prescription, the treatment period exceeded 30days in 18.75%. As for the prescription of BZD, molecules with long half-life were used in 37.48% of cases, and the dosage was identical to adult in 34.4% of cases.

The prescription of hypnotic treatment in the elderly meets a logical approach to care, after an accurate diagnosis, taking into account psychiatric and somatic co-morbidities, the precautions and contraindications. In this context, we have identified several shortcomings in the management of insomnia in the elderly in general practice. A multiplication of training on this subject is needed.