Which Benzodiazepine Is Best for Sleep?

Benzodiazepines that have been approved by the FDA for treating chronic insomnia include estazolam, flurazepam (Dalmane), temazepam (Restoril), quazepam (Doral), and triazolam (Halcion). Rapidly acting drugs with shorter half-lives (i.e., estazolam, triazolam, and temazepam) are preferred.

Which Benzo is most sedating?

Alprazolam, oxazepam and diazepam appeared least sedative, while triazolam and lorazepam were most sedative.

Which is better for sleep Ativan or Xanax?

Xanax has a quicker onset of effect, but a shorter duration of action (4 to 6 hours) compared with Ativan's 8 hours. Sedative and performance-impairing effects may occur sooner with Xanax, but dissipate quicker than with Ativan.