Background:Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA), which include benzodiazepines and z-drugs, are commonly prescribed for insomnia and anxiety in older adults, and used often long term. Yet, the risk–benefit ratio of BZRA use in older adults may be unfavorable and many recommendations suggest avoidance or a maximal treatment duration of 4 weeks. The aim of this study was to describe trends of BZRA use in older adults and associated factors.Methods:Using data from the Belgian Health Interview Survey in 2004 ( n = 3594), 2008 ( n = 2917), and 2013 ( n = 2048), prevalence standardized for age, sex, and region were calculated to assess trends of BZRA use in people ⩾65 years. Analysis of associated factors to BZRA use was performed using a sub-sample of 2013 data for which variables assessing sleeping disorder and anxiety disorder were not missing ( n = 1286). Variables from seven main topics were explored using multivariate logistic regression: socio-demographic factors, geriatric factors, comorbidities, ...