More than eight percent of U.S. adults report regular use of sleep medication. But a growing body of research warns these pills carry significant health hazards.
A study in the journal Sleep connected higher insomnia symptoms and sleep medication use with a 20% increased risk of disability in older adults for each year of use.
Drugs with anticholinergic effects, common in some over-the-counter sleep aids, are linked to an increased risk of dementia. The damage may not be reversible.
Research from Scripps Clinic found regular use of certain hypnotics, like zolpidem, associated with a 4.6 times higher risk of death and a 35% higher cancer rate.
The FDA warns of next-day impairment from drugs like Ambien, nearly doubling car crash risk. Women are at greater risk due to slower drug elimination.
Studies also show sleep medication increases the risk of falls in older adults and can raise the likelihood of acute pancreatitis.
Experts point to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia as an effective, long-lasting alternative. It restructures thoughts and behaviors contributing to poor sleep.
Simple sleep hygiene habits, like maintaining a consistent schedule and limiting naps, are also recommended.