Gina Johnson
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but for many, it doesn't come easy. In the United States, it is estimated that 50 to 70 million people suffer from sleep disorders or sleep deprivation. While insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting up to 50% of adults, only a third of Americans get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. As a result, many turn to sleep aids, with estimates ranging from 4% to 18% of US adults using prescription sleep medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Americans using prescription sleep aids | 9 million |
| Percentage of adults aged 20 and over using prescription sleep aids in the past 30 days | 4% |
| Percentage of women using prescription sleep aids | 5% |
| Percentage of men using prescription sleep aids | 3.1% |
| Percentage of non-Hispanic white adults using prescription sleep aids | 4.7% |
| Percentage of non-Hispanic black adults using prescription sleep aids | 2.5% |
| Percentage of Mexican-American adults using prescription sleep aids | 2% |
| Percentage of adults with a high school education or more using prescription sleep aids | 4% |
| Percentage of adults without a high school education using prescription sleep aids | 3% |
| Percentage of adults sleeping 5 hours or less using prescription sleep aids | 6% |
| Percentage of adults sleeping 7 hours using prescription sleep aids | 3% |
| Percentage of adults sleeping 9 hours or more using prescription sleep aids | 5% |
| Percentage of adults with a diagnosed sleep disorder using prescription sleep aids | 16% |
| Percentage of adults with trouble sleeping using prescription sleep aids | 13% |
| Number of Americans suffering from sleep disorders or sleep deprivation | 50-70 million |
| Percentage of U.S. adults using sleep aids | 18% |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep aid usage among older Americans
Sleep disorders and deprivation are common issues in the United States, with estimates suggesting that 50-70 million Americans are affected. While insomnia is the most common sleep complaint, affecting up to 50% of adults, the CDC has reported a low rate of prescription sleep aid use in the country.
In 2013, the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics conducted the first government survey of its kind, revealing that nearly 9 million U.S. adults take prescription sleep aids. This study analysed data from home interviews conducted between 2005 and 2010, with approximately 17,000 participants aged 20 and older. The results indicated that prescription sleep aid use increased with age, with 7% of those 80 and older and 6% of those in their 50s reporting use in the last month. The percentage dropped slightly for those in their 60s and 70s, while the lowest rate of use was observed among adults aged 20-39 years (1.8%). Overall, about 4% of adults 20 and older used prescription sleep aids in the previous month, with a higher prevalence among women (5%) compared to men (3.1%).
Non-Hispanic white adults were more likely to use sleep aids (4.7%) than non-Hispanic black (2.5%) and Mexican-American adults (2%). Additionally, sleep aid use was positively correlated with educational attainment, as 4% of those with a high school education or higher reported taking sleep aids, compared to 3% of those without a high school education. Adults who slept five hours or less per night had the highest usage rate (6%), followed by those sleeping nine hours or more (5%). The type of sleep aid varied, with hypnotic drugs and antidepressants with sedative functions being commonly prescribed for insomnia or depression.
While the CDC analysis highlights a lower rate of prescription sleep aid use compared to the prevalence of insomnia, it is important to recognise that sleeping pills are one of several treatment options for insomnia. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for example, is an effective long-term treatment that addresses negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours impacting sleep. Furthermore, the AASM encourages individuals to discuss sleep problems with their doctors and consider alternative treatments before resorting to prescription medications.
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Sleep aid usage among women
Sleep disorders and deprivation are common issues in the United States, affecting an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans. While insomnia is the most common sleep complaint, affecting up to 50% of adults, the CDC reports that prescription sleep aid use is relatively low.
Among US adults aged 20 and older, approximately 4% reported using prescription sleep aids in the past month, with the prevalence generally increasing with age. Specifically, 2% of those aged 20 to 39, 6% of those in their 50s, just under 6% for those in their 60s and 70s, and 7% of those aged 80 and older used sleep aids.
Women are more likely than men to experience insomnia and other sleep issues. CDC data from 2013 shows that 5% of women and 3.1% of men reported using prescription sleep aids in the past 30 days. Additionally, older white women are the most likely demographic to take sleeping pills.
While the exact reasons are unclear, several factors may contribute to the higher prevalence of sleep issues among women. One possibility is that women tend to experience more sleep disturbances due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, menopause, and periods of hormonal birth control use. Additionally, women are more prone to certain sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and insomnia.
Furthermore, societal expectations and gender roles may play a role. Women often shoulder a disproportionate burden of household and childcare responsibilities, which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption. Additionally, women are more likely to seek medical help for sleep issues, which may contribute to the higher reported use of sleep aids in this demographic.
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Sleep aid usage among racial groups
Sleep aid usage in the United States varies across different racial groups. According to a 2013 CDC report, non-Hispanic white adults reported the highest usage of sleep aids at 4.7%, compared to 2.5% for non-Hispanic black adults and 2% for Mexican-American adults. This trend was also observed in a 2013 CBS News article, which noted that white adults had the highest usage rate at 5%, while black and Mexican-American adults reported lower usage rates of 2% and 2.0%, respectively.
Several factors contribute to these disparities in sleep aid usage across racial groups. Firstly, there are well-documented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities in the United States, which result in varying health outcomes for different social groups. For example, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis are more prevalent among Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites. These disparities persist even when controlling for factors such as education or household income.
Socioeconomic factors also play a role in sleep aid usage. Lower-income adults are more likely to decline treatment for sleep disorders due to cost concerns. Additionally, children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to be referred for sleep apnea treatment. The relationship between race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status is complex, and racial or ethnic groups may face intersecting disadvantages.
Furthermore, cultural and behavioral factors may influence sleep patterns and the use of sleep aids across racial groups. For instance, among self-identified Blacks/African Americans, very short sleep was linked to self-reported hypertension and obesity. In contrast, among Mexican Americans, short sleep was associated with hypertension but not obesity. These differences highlight the need to understand the differential pathways linking sleep and health outcomes across racial and ethnic groups.
While the CDC report provides valuable insights into sleep aid usage among racial groups, it is important to note that the data primarily captures prescription sleep aid usage and may not fully represent over-the-counter sleep aid usage patterns across different racial communities. Additionally, the report focuses on non-institutionalized adults, which may exclude certain populations, such as those in correctional facilities or long-term care settings.
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Sleep aid usage among people with sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are a prevalent issue in the United States, affecting an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans. Insomnia, the most common sleep complaint, occurs in up to 50% of adults, with 10 to 15% experiencing symptoms that cause distress or impair their daily functioning. The risk for insomnia is higher among women and older adults.
While prescription sleep aids are one treatment option for sleep disorders, their usage rates are relatively low compared to the prevalence of insomnia. According to a 2013 CDC report, approximately 9 million Americans use prescription sleep aids. This number represents about 4% of adults aged 20 and older who have used sleep aids in the past month. The rate of prescription sleep aid use is lower than the general prevalence of insomnia, indicating that many individuals with insomnia do not rely on these medications.
Usage of prescription sleep aids increases with age, with 7% of adults aged 80 and older and 6% of those in their 50s reporting sleep aid use. The rate then slightly decreases to just below 6% for those in their 60s and 70s. Among adults with a diagnosed sleep disorder, one in six reported using sleep aids, a rate more than five times higher than those without a diagnosis. Additionally, adults who slept five hours or less per night or nine hours or more had higher sleep aid usage rates, at 6% and 5% respectively.
Non-Hispanic white adults are more likely to use sleep aids (4.7%) compared to non-Hispanic black (2.5%) and Mexican-American adults (2.0%). Women are also more likely than men to use sleep aids, with 5% of women and 3.1% of men reporting usage in the past 30 days. Education level plays a role as well, with 4% of those with a high school education or more using sleep aids, compared to 3% of those without a high school education.
It is worth noting that the use of sleep aids has been met with some hesitation due to potential health risks associated with long-term use. Additionally, the effectiveness of sleep aids has been questioned, with a study in Saudi Arabia showing that while sleep quality improved by 67.6% with the use of sleep aids, 71.8% of participants believed that long-term use of sleep aids was unsafe.
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The effectiveness of sleep aids
A 2013 CDC report estimates that nearly 9 million Americans use prescription sleep aids. The report also noted that pharmaceutical companies had seen an increase in the number of prescriptions for sleep medication in the previous two decades. This is supported by a 2006 market research firm report that found a tripling in sleep aid prescriptions from 1998 to 2006 for young adults aged 18 to 24.
Sleep aids can be an effective treatment for insomnia and sleep deprivation, but they should be used with caution. Hypnotic sleeping pills, when used as prescribed by a physician, can be an effective treatment option for chronic insomnia. It is recommended that patients use the lowest effective dose, and an initial treatment period of 2-4 weeks may be appropriate, followed by a re-evaluation of the need for continued treatment.
Natural sleep aids such as melatonin and valerian can also be effective. Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep by influencing when a person falls asleep and wakes up. Valerian has a natural calming effect on the nervous system. However, it is important to be aware of possible side effects and risks, and to only use these sleep aids for short periods of time.
Prescription sleep medications work in different ways. Benzodiazepines stimulate a chemical in the brain called GABA, which leads to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. Z-drugs slow down brain activity. Sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, muscle weakness, and a hangover effect the next day. They can also cause a "rebound insomnia" effect, where insomnia returns worse than before when the medication is stopped. There is also a risk of parasomnia, where patients may sleepwalk, eat, take medications, or even drive while not fully awake.
For older adults, sleeping pills can have special risks, including confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls and hip fractures. It is recommended that older adults try non-drug treatments first. For children, it is recommended that parents do not give over-the-counter antihistamine medications, as there is a risk of overdose. Changing a child's sleep behaviours is often the best way to improve sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2013 report by the CDC, around 9 million Americans use prescription sleep aids. This figure represents about 4% of the adult population.
Older, female, white, and well-educated Americans are more likely to use sleep aids. According to the CDC report, 5% of women used prescription sleep aids, compared to 3% of men. White adults were more likely to use sleep aids (4.7%) than Black (2.5%) and Mexican-American (2%) adults.
Sleep aids are used to treat sleep disorders or deprivation, which affect an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans. Sleep deprivation can hinder daily functioning and adversely affect health. However, long-term use of sleep aids has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality and cancer risks.
