Note: two sources that measure slightly different
For sleeping pills there are two official counts that differ considerably. The GIP database (Zorginstituut Nederland) only counts reimbursed services. Since January 1, 2009, sleeping pills and tranquilizers have only been reimbursed for a few specific indications, such as epilepsy or an anxiety disorder for which at least two antidepressants did not help. Anyone who uses the drug for any other reason pays for it themselves and does not appear in the GIP figures.
The Foundation for Pharmaceutical Characteristics (SFK) does count all benefits in kind, reimbursed and paid for themselves. The difference is big: in 2024, GIP had 61,470 zolpidem users, while SFK had 236,000. GIP therefore only captures about a quarter of the actual use. On this page we use SFK for total use, and we explicitly state when a figure only concerns the reimbursed group.
The figures: total use (SFK)
Note that the temazepam and zolpidem figures coincide: the decrease in temazepam (-77,000) and the increase in zolpidem (+87,000) occur in the same year almost against each other. SFK literally writes: "Shortages of temazepam in 2024 probably played a role in the decline in temazepam users, possibly leading to zolpidem being prescribed as an alternative." In other words: the increase in zolpidem is largely not new or increased use of sleeping pills, but people who were forced to switch. SFK itself calls this "probable" and "possible", not a proven fact, and we adopt that caution here.
Per type of sleeping pill
Within the reimbursed group (GIP figures) there is a clear shift between two groups of sleeping pills.
Zolpidem and zopiclone are called Z-drugs: not a benzodiazepine in the strict sense, but pharmacologically related and with the same risk of habituation and dependence. There is an exception for zopiclone that the Pharmacotherapeutic Compass explicitly mentions: no clear tolerance has been demonstrated for a treatment duration of up to 4 weeks.
Melatonin is deliberately omitted from these figures. The drug is largely freely available in low doses and is therefore largely excluded from both the reimbursement count and the prescription registration. There is no reliable total figure.
Zolpidem and zopiclone: short-acting does not mean risk-free
Zolpidem and zopiclone work relatively quickly and are intended for short-term use. That does not automatically make them safe when taken for a long time or almost every night. With repeated use, the effect may fade while falling asleep without a tablet can start to feel harder.
The important question is therefore not only whether a medicine works that night, but also whether there is a review date and a plan for tapering. Never take an extra dose because the effect feels insufficient. Discuss recurring insomnia with your GP or pharmacist. Apotheek.nl on zolpidem and zopiclone explain the expected effect, side effects and why gradual tapering may be needed after longer use.
This dossier focuses on use from the age of 18. Dutch product information excludes zolpidem use under 18. In an exceptional specialist situation, a child and adolescent psychiatrist may still consider an off-label medicine, for example when symptoms are severe and alternatives have not been sufficient. That is an individual decision with a careful discussion of risks, alternatives and monitoring; it is not a general route for sleep problems in children.
The sleeping pill trap
A sleeping problem, anxiety or crisis leads to a quick prescription.
The drug initially works clearly and therefore becomes psychologically and practically important.
Tolerance or physical dependence may develop. Stopping can cause rebound insomnia, anxiety or restlessness.
Withdrawal symptoms can resemble return of the original problem; a clinician can help assess the difference.
With repeat prescriptions, reviewing the goal, effect, side effects and dependence remains important.
If you want to stop, appropriate tapering guidance is not always quickly available.
Longer than the guideline
The guideline is clear: the treatment of insomnia is mainly non-medicinal. A sleeping aid is only intended for exceptional, short-term cases: usually a few days to 2 weeks, without re-evaluation a maximum of 4 weeks including tapering. In practice, a significant proportion of new users receive more than that guideline recommends: in 2024, approximately 63% of new users of sleep medication received a maximum of 20 days' supply, which means that the rest received more at the start. This figure concerns sleeping medications as a group and the supply at the time of the first prescription, not about proven long-term use per drug.
The questions people ask about short-acting sleeping pills
These are general explanations. A safe tapering plan depends on the medicine, dose, duration of use and your health.
Are zolpidem and zopiclone addictive?
How can I stop taking zolpidem or zopiclone?
Why does a short-acting medicine sometimes stop working?
When should I expect an effect, and when should I ask for help?
Can zolpidem be prescribed to someone under 18?
Do you recognise this pattern?
Have you been using a sleeping pill or tranquilizer for much longer than intended, or did tapering prove harder than expected? Share your experience. Not to appoint a doctor, but to make the pattern visible.
Justification and sources
- SFK (Stichting Farmaceutische Kengehalen), Pharmaceutisch Weekblad, March 20, 2025: 1.3 million benzodiazepine users in 2024; temazepam 363,000 to 286,000; zolpidem 149,000 to 236,000, with the company's own explanation that this is probably largely temazepam substitution due to shortages.
- GIPdatabank/Zorgnummersdatabase (Zorginstituut Nederland): reimbursed Zvw benefits per ATC group. Please note: this is the reimbursed subset, not the total usage. Policy measure of January 1, 2009 limited reimbursement to a small number of indications.
- Trimbos Institute, National Drug Monitor (2025): 480,000 adults (3.4%) also used sleeping pills or tranquilizers without a prescription in 2024.
- Pharmacotherapeutic Compass / Dutch NHG Sleep Problems Standard (revised 5 January 2026): non-drug care, exceptional short-term prescribing and individual tapering.
- IVM (Institute for Responsible Use of Medicines) in collaboration with SFK, Prescription Monitor for General Practitioners 2024: stock for new sleep medication users.
- Apotheek.nl: zolpidem and zopiclone: expected effects, tolerance, dependence and stopping.
- NHG: recommendations for off-label prescribing.