What is rebound insomnia?

• A. Temporary worsening of sleep after stopping hypnotics.
• B. A withdrawal symptom that only occurs while continuing hypnotics.
• C. An increase in daytime sleepiness that persists during use.
• D. A permanent disruption of sleep architecture caused by hypnotics.

Answer: (A)

Rebound insomnia describes a temporary worsening of sleep after you stop taking a sleep medication. When hypnotics are used, sleep often improves, but once you discontinue them, the body readjusts and sleep problems can return more intensely than before treatment. This effect is a short-term withdrawal-related phenomenon, not a side effect while taking the drug, not daytime sleepiness during use, and not a permanent change to sleep architecture. Because it’s temporary and related to stopping the medication, the best description is the temporary worsening of sleep after stopping hypnotics.