In 30 physically and mentally healthy volunteers, 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-5-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (temazepam, K 3917) was tested for its sleep inducing action, the subjective quality of sleep and any post-medication effects. Temazepam was orally administered at doses of 15, 20 or 30 mg in hard gelatin capsules or 20 mg in soft gelatin capsules. Nitrazepam (5 mg) and amylobarbitone sodium (100 mg) were used for comparison as well as a placebo. Temazepam showed very much the same effects as they are known from conventional 1,4-benzodiazepines except for its lack of impairment in early morning behavior following night time medication.