Health Canada is informing consumers and health professionals of labelling changes for certain prescription sleep-aid medications.

The new labelling describes reports of patients who have walked and talked in their sleep, or who even have cooked, eaten and driven while not fully awake.

Patients typically did not remember these events afterwards, said Health Canada.

The department is encouraging sleeping-pill users and people close to them to be aware of these types of sleep-related behaviours. Patients should report any suspected events to their health-care professional.

The following drugs are affected:

• Dalmane, Som Pam (flurazepam)
• Mogadon, Nitrazadon (nitrazepam)
• Restoril (temazepam)
• Apo-Triazo (triazolam)
• Imovane, Rhovane (zopiclone)

The drugs are often prescribed as a short-term treatment for people who have difficulty falling asleep or who wake often through the night.

Health Canada wants users to read the new labels because they emphasize the proper use of these medications.

If patients experience such complex sleep-related behaviours, Health Canada suggests discontinuing the drug to avoid harming themselves and others. However, patients are advised to talk to their doctor before quitting cold turkey as abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms.

The drugs, zolpidem, and zaleplon, are also included in the warning, but are not currently sold in Canada.