This study evaluated the respiratory effect of temazepam in elderly subjects (mean age 65 +/- 3.8 years), with mild sleep apnea. The 15 subjects of this report were enrolled in a larger randomized trial comparing pharmacological and behavioral treatments for insomnia. Seven subjects received temazepam 15-30 mg/day either alone or in combination with behavior therapy, and eight subjects received placebo or behavior therapy. The mean baseline respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was 9.2 +/- 2.8 for the nondrug and 8.8 +/- 5.3 for the temazepam group. There were no significant time, group or interaction effects. There was no increase in the RDI in elderly subjects with mild respiratory apnea receiving 15-30 mg of temazepam.