Sleep loss therapeutic

Chloral hydrate and triclofos are of some use as hypnotics for children. However these compounds are largely superseded by the benzodiazepines and are not recommended other than for exceptional cases. Chloral hydrate has a low therapeutic index. These agents have an unpleasant taste and odor. The hypnotic effect has a rapid onset but a short duration. Tolerance appears to occur rapidly with a loss of sleep-inducing and sleep-maintaining effects after about 2 weeks. 

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