Millions of older Americans use sleep medications like Ambien or benzodiazepines to deal with insomnia, but new research shows long-term use can do more harm than good. A large study from the USC Schaeffer Center found that reducing these drugs may help seniors live longer and healthier lives — lowering falls by 8.5%, slowing memory decline by 2.1%, and adding about 1.3 months to life expectancy.
Experts warn that sleep drugs can cause dependence, confusion, and dangerous nighttime falls. Still, more than 15 million Americans over 50 take them regularly, often for years. The study found that cutting back could save about $6,600 per person in medical costs — a total of more than $100 billion nationwide. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) was shown to be a safer, long-term option that helps improve sleep naturally without side effects.
Doctors say prescription sleep aids should only be used short-term. Helping older adults switch to healthier sleep habits, like CBT-I or relaxation techniques, could reduce risks and improve overall well-being. The takeaway: better sleep doesn’t have to come from a pill.
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