Controlled-release sedative-hypnotic compositions and methods related thereto

A controlled-release formulation, comprising:

• (a) a sedative-hypnotic compound or precursor thereof that is metabolized to generate a sedative-hypnotic compound in vivo, wherein the compound has a mean plasma half life ranging from 0.1 to 2 hours;
• and
• (b) at least one release retardant such that, following administration of the formulation to a patient, the patient has in the following order:
• (i) a time to a first maximum plasma concentration (Tmax1) of the sedative-hypnotic compound ranging from 0.1 to 2 hours following administration;
• (ii) a time to a minimum plasma concentration (Tmin) of the sedative-hypnotic compound ranging from 2 to 4 hours, wherein the plasma concentration of the sedative-hypnotic compound at Tmin is less than 80% of the plasma concentration at Tmax1;
• (iii) a time to a second maximum plasma concentration (Tmax2) of the sedative-hypnotic ranging from 3 to 5 hours following administration, wherein the plasma concentration of the sedative-hypnotic compound at Tmax2 is from 80% to 150% of the plasma concentration at Tmax1;
• (iv) a plasma concentration of the sedative-hypnotic compound at 6 hours following administration of at least 20% of the plasma concentration at Tmax2;
• and
• (v) a plasma concentration of the sedative-hypnotic compound at 8 hours following administration of no more than 20% of the plasma concentration at Tmax2.