Hi, Going by what you have mentioned your father seems to be suffering from depression, with significant severity. I would have liked to know if he suffers from any other disease like hypertension and diabetes too. Only taking sleeping pills will not help his depression. He needs regular anti-depressants, like sertraline or escitalopram. The medications can be increased in dose gradually depending on the response. Sleeping pills can be given in initial phase of treatment, but with caution and should be tapered off later. I would advise that your father in law visits a psychiatrist at the earliest. Best wishes.