Colin Snow
Sleeping pills are medications that can help people get some sleep. However, they are associated with an increased risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy, especially among those who sleep for extremely long or short durations. A study of 484,916 adults in Taiwan found that sleeping pill users had a 55% higher mortality risk than non-users, even when achieving the optimal amount of sleep (6-8 hours). Another study of 10,500 adults prescribed sleeping pills and 23,600 non-users found that those taking sleeping pills were up to five times more likely to die. While these studies suggest a correlation between sleeping pills and increased mortality, further research is needed to establish a causal relationship. It's important to consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication, including sleeping pills, as they can have side effects and may interact with other substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of adults in the study | 484,916 |
| Location | Taiwan |
| Time period | 1994-2011 |
| Daily sleep duration categories | extremely short (<4 hours), short (4-6 hours), medium (6-8 hours), long (>8 hours) |
| Mortality risk | Sleeping pill users had a 55% higher mortality risk than nonusers |
| Life expectancy | Sleeping pill users had 5.3 years and 5.7 years shorter life expectancy among men and women, respectively |
| Side effects | next-day grogginess, nausea, headaches, rebound insomnia |
| Limitations | observational study, cannot make causal inferences, results may be due to underlying illness |
| Critics | not a randomized, controlled trial, other factors may explain the associations |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pills and increased mortality risk
A large-scale study of 484,916 community-dwelling adults in Taiwan found that sleeping pill users had a 55% higher mortality risk than non-users, even when achieving the optimal amount of sleep (6-8 hours). This study also revealed that extremely short or long sleepers who took sleeping pills had a significantly shorter life expectancy, with a reduction of 12-14 years compared to non-users who slept for 6-8 hours.
Another study, this time focusing on women, found that female sleeping pill users with long sleep times (>8 hours) had a significantly shorter life expectancy than medium sleepers who did not take sleeping pills.
Additionally, a meta-analysis of 25 studies enrolling 2,350,093 patients found that hypnotic/sedative or anxiolytic users had a 43% higher risk of mortality than non-users.
However, it is important to note that these studies are observational, and other underlying factors may contribute to the increased mortality risk. For example, mental health issues or other underlying illnesses could be potential confounding variables.
While the link between sleeping pills and increased mortality risk is not yet fully understood, it highlights the importance of careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare professional before taking any sleep medication. Most sleep aids are intended for short-term use and can cause side effects such as next-day grogginess, nausea, and headaches. It is always advisable to discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor and explore alternative treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, before resorting to sleeping pills.
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Side effects of sleeping pills
Sleeping pills can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. While they can be effective for short-term relief of sleeplessness, long-term use is associated with more serious adverse effects and an increased risk of developing a tolerance, dependence, or addiction.
Common side effects of sleeping pills include drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired focus or memory the next day. This "hangover" effect can negatively impact daily tasks, such as driving or work, and increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially in older adults. Other physical side effects may include constipation, muscle weakness, digestive problems, and a burning or tingling sensation in the extremities.
Sleeping pills can also cause behavioural changes and increase the risk of parasomnias, which are disruptive sleep disorders. People taking sleeping pills may sleepwalk, eat, talk, or even drive while unaware of their actions. Additionally, there is a risk of overdose, especially if combined with alcohol or other medications.
Long-term use of sleeping pills has been linked to more severe side effects, including brain degeneration, memory issues, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and depression. Withdrawal from sleeping pills can also lead to rebound insomnia, causing vivid dreams, nightmares, and anxiety.
It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any side effects, as they may recommend adjusting the dosage, changing medications, or creating a plan for gradually reducing dependence on sleeping pills.
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How to use sleeping pills safely
Studies have shown that sleeping pills are associated with an increased risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy, especially in extreme sleepers. Sleeping pills should be used with caution and only as advised by a medical professional. Here are some ways to use sleeping pills safely:
Consult a Doctor
It is important to work with a doctor, understand the risks, and follow their instructions to use sleeping pills safely. Sleeping pills are typically prescribed for short-term stressors, jet lag, or extreme insomnia.
Avoid Long-Term Use
Sleeping pills are not recommended for long-term use. Most experts agree that sleep aids should be used for a short duration, as there is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of using them for more than four weeks. Long-term use of hypnotics/sedatives is linked to risks of cancer and all-cause mortality.
Avoid Mixing with Other Substances
Sleeping pills should not be mixed with other sedatives or alcohol due to the risk of overdosing. It is also advised to avoid large meals and alcohol before bed, as well as cutting back on caffeine throughout the day and before bedtime.
Be Cautious with Dosage
Sleeping pills should be taken right before bedtime, as taking them earlier may interfere with evening activities. It may take a few nights to see improvements in sleep, so dosage changes should not be made without consulting a doctor. Additionally, some sleeping pills may cause rebound insomnia if stopped too suddenly, so it is important to work with a doctor to taper off the medication safely.
Explore Alternative Options
Sleeping pills may not be the only solution for improving sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral changes can often enhance sleep without the need for medication. Relaxing activities such as listening to soothing music, reading, or meditation can also promote better sleep.
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Sleeping pills and cancer risk
Several studies have found a link between sleeping pill usage and an increased risk of cancer. A 2018 study suggested that people who take sleeping pills are at a higher risk of developing cancer or dying within the next 2.5 years. Another study found that patients prescribed sleeping pills were three to five times more likely to die during the study than those who were not prescribed sleeping pills. Notably, even patients prescribed fewer than 18 pills per year had a 3.6 times higher risk of death.
The Scripps Clinic researchers' study, published in the open-access online journal BMJ Open, linked the use of sleeping pills to a 4.6 times higher risk of death and a significant increase in cancer cases among regular pill users. The study found that the use of sleeping pills might contribute to the occurrence of cancer, heart disease, and other ailments.
A study of 484,916 community-dwelling adults in Taiwan found that sleeping pill users had a 55% higher mortality risk than non-users, even when they achieved the optimal amount of sleep (6-8 hours). Additionally, the study found that male sleeping pill users with extremely short or long sleep durations had 12-13 years shorter life expectancy than non-users with medium sleep durations.
While these studies suggest an association between sleeping pill usage and increased cancer risk, it is important to note that they may not establish a direct causal relationship. Further research is needed to confirm the exact nature of the link between sleeping pills and cancer risk.
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Sleeping pills and gender differences in life expectancy
Sleeping pills are associated with an increased risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy, especially among those who sleep for extremely long or short durations. A cohort study of 484,916 community-dwelling adults in Taiwan found that sleeping pill users had a 55% higher mortality risk than non-users, even when they achieved the optimal amount of sleep (6-8 hours).
Among men, at age 50, sleeping pill users with extreme sleep duration ( <4 hours or >8 hours) had 3.9 years and 5.4 years shorter life expectancy, respectively. For male extreme sleepers at age 30, taking sleeping pills was associated with approximately a 9-year reduction in life expectancy.
Among women, significantly shorter life expectancy was found in sleeping pill users with long sleep times (>8 hours) compared to medium sleepers of the same age who did not take sleeping pills. However, the number of women who used sleeping pills and had sleep durations of less than 4 hours was very low, so the results in this group may not be meaningful.
The mechanisms underlying the association between sleeping pill use and increased mortality are likely multifactorial. Potential factors include the risk of cancer, infection, depression, suicide, falling, fracture, automobile accidents, suppressed respiration, and dementia. Therefore, regular users should be aware of the potential harms associated with sleeping pills, and strategies to raise awareness about these risks among the public and clinicians are needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Several studies have found a correlation between sleeping pill use and increased mortality and shorter life expectancy, especially in extreme sleepers. However, these studies are observational, so a causal relationship cannot be established. If you are concerned about the potential risks of sleeping pills, consult your doctor.
Common side effects of sleeping pills include next-day grogginess, nausea, and headaches. More rarely, sleeping pills can cause rebound insomnia, especially if they are stopped too suddenly. Sleeping pills can also cause parasomnia, a disorder characterised by dangerous behaviours while asleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, talking, or even driving.
Yes, sleeping pills can be addictive, especially if used long-term. Benzodiazepines, a type of sleeping pill, can lead to substance use disorder. Therefore, they are typically only prescribed for short-term use.
Alternatives to sleeping pills include over-the-counter sleep aids such as Benadryl Allergy®, Advil PM® or Tylenol PM®. However, these also carry potential risks and should be taken at a low dose for a short time. Non-drug treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are also effective in improving sleep and curing insomnia.
