[Effects of short-action hypnotics triazolam and zopiclone on simulated flight performance].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of short-action hypnotics triazolam and zopiclone on simulated flight performance so as to provide experimental evidences for the use of these drugs in aircrew.

Method: Six healthy young male volunteers served as the subjects. They were asked to take triazolam (0.25 mg), zopiclone (7.5 mg) or placebo at noon time (13:00) and sleep for 1 h. Simulated flight performances were tested in a simulator 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 6 b, 8 h, 10 h and 20 h (next morning 9:00) after taking the drugs. The experiments were done once a week for 3 weeks.

Result: No significant difference was found between simulated flight performances before or after triazolam while simulated flight performances at 2 h and 3 h after taking zopiclone showed significant decrease (P<0.05), but restored to normal 4 h after taking the drug.

Conclusion: Short-action hypnotics triazolam had no significant effect on simulated flight performance, while zopiclone had significant adverse effects on simulated flight performance at 2 h and 3 h after taking the drug.