Miya Pearson
Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but millions of people suffer from sleep disorders or deprivation. In the United States, it is estimated that 50-70 million people suffer from sleep issues, and many turn to sleep medication to help them doze off. The use of sleep medication has been increasing, with the percentage of people using sleeping pills in the US doubling since 2010. According to a 2023 report, 18% of US adults use some type of sleep medication, with the overall usage increasing with age and being higher among women. While sleep medication can provide temporary relief, it is not recommended as a long-term solution due to potential side effects and health risks, especially for older adults.
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What You'll Learn
Sleep medication usage by age and gender
Sleep medication usage varies by age, gender, race, and ethnicity. According to the CDC, in 2020, the percentage of adults who took medication to sleep increased with age, from 5.6% of those aged 18–44, to 10.1% of those aged 45–64, and 11.9% of those aged 65 and over. The use of sleep medication also differs between men and women, with women being more likely to take sleep medication across all age groups. Specifically, among men, the percentage of sleep medication users increased with age, from 4.7% of men aged 18–44 to 7.1% of men aged 45–64 and 10.1% of men aged 65 and over. In contrast, sleep medication use among women was lower in the 18–44 age group (6.5%) compared to the 45–64 (13%) and 65 and over (13.5%) age groups.
When examining race and ethnicity, non-Hispanic White adults were more likely to use sleep aids (4.7%) than non-Hispanic Black (2.5%) and Mexican-American adults (2.0%). Among men, non-Hispanic White men (8.0%) were the most prevalent users of sleep medication, while non-Hispanic Asian men (1.7%) were the least likely. Conversely, among women, non-Hispanic White women (12.6%) were the most prevalent users, and Hispanic women (5.4%) and non-Hispanic Asian women (3.9%) were the least likely.
In terms of socioeconomic status, sleep medication use decreased as family income increased. Specifically, sleep medication use was highest among adults with family incomes less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (10.0%), followed by those with incomes at 100% to less than 200% of FPL (8.7%), and lowest among those with incomes at 200% of FPL or more (8.2%). Among men, those with higher family incomes were less likely to take sleep medication.
Additionally, sleep medication usage is influenced by sleep duration. Adults who slept 5 or fewer hours per night had the highest use of sleep aids (6.0%), while those sleeping 7 hours showed lower usage (3.2%). As sleep duration deviated further from 7 hours, sleep aid usage increased, with 8 hours of sleep (4.1%) and 9 or more hours (5.3%) associated with higher sleep aid usage.
It is worth noting that the use of prescription sleep aids has been associated with certain health risks, particularly in older adults. Despite national guidelines advising against it, some older adults continue to use prescription sleep medicine regularly or occasionally.
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The risks of sleep medication
In 2020, the percentage of adults who took medication to sleep in the United States increased with age, from 5.6% of those aged 18–44, to 10.1% of those aged 45–64, and 11.9% of those aged 65 and over. Among men, the percentage who took medication to sleep also increased with age, from 4.7% of men aged 18–44 to 7.1% of men aged 45–64 and 10.1% of men aged 65 and over. Women were more likely to take sleep medication than men across all age groups. Non-Hispanic White women (12.6%) were most likely to take sleep medication, while non-Hispanic Asian women (3.9%) were least likely.
Sleep medication usage decreased with increasing family income, from 10.0% among adults with a family income less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 8.2% of those with a family income at 200% of FPL or more.
While sleep medication can be effective in treating sleep disorders, it is not without its risks. Here are some of the dangers associated with sleep medication:
- Side effects: The most common side effects of sleep medications include drowsiness, difficulty with movement and balance, impaired focus and memory, and a "hangover" effect the next day. These side effects can be dangerous, especially if they impact activities like driving.
- Dependence and addiction: Prescription sleeping medication can be habit-forming, and long-term use is linked to adverse health outcomes. Benzodiazepines, for example, can lead to substance use disorders.
- Parasomnia: Some prescription sleep medicines may induce parasomnia, a disruptive sleep disorder where individuals engage in dangerous behaviours while mostly asleep. People taking Z-drugs may sleepwalk, eat, take medications, talk, or even drive without being fully awake.
- Interactions with other substances: Sleep aids should not be mixed with other sedatives or alcohol due to the risk of overdose.
- Health risks for older adults: Sleep medication can carry specific health risks for older adults, including confusion, memory issues, and balance problems, which can increase the risk of falls and hip fractures.
- Overdose: Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. However, there is a risk of overdose, especially when given to children without medical advice.
- Unknown long-term effects of natural remedies: While melatonin and herbal remedies may be perceived as safer, less is known about their potential side effects, and they are not subject to the same approval processes as medications.
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Alternatives to sleep medication
According to the CDC, the percentage of adults who took medication to sleep in 2020 increased with age: 5.6% of those aged 18–44, 10.1% of those aged 45–64, and 11.9% of those 65 and over. Among men, the percentage increased from 4.7% of men aged 18–44 to 7.1% of men aged 45–64, and 10.1% of men 65 and over. For women, sleep medication use was less likely among those aged 18–44 (6.5%) than those aged 45–64 (13.0%) and those 65 and over (13.5%). Overall, 50–70 million Americans are estimated to suffer from sleep disorders or deprivation.
Despite the prevalence of sleep issues, there are alternatives to sleep medication that can be explored. Here are some options:
Natural Sleep Aids
Natural sleep aids are over-the-counter supplements that can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. These include melatonin supplements, which is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is typically released by the body in response to reduced light exposure. However, due to the prevalence of artificial light in our environment, melatonin production can be disrupted, leading to sleep difficulties. Melatonin supplements are available without a prescription, but it's important to consistently purchase the same brand as dosages may vary. Other natural sleep aids include warm milk, chamomile tea, and tart cherry juice, which is believed to support melatonin production. While there isn't extensive scientific proof of their effectiveness, these options are worth trying for those seeking treatment without drug interactions or side effects.
Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments
Simple adjustments to your lifestyle and environment can also improve your sleep:
- Exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise boosts nourishing slow-wave (deep) sleep, but it's important to avoid working out within two hours of bedtime as exercise releases endorphins that can keep you awake.
- Temperature: Keeping your bedroom cool, especially for menopausal women experiencing hot flashes, can promote better sleep.
- Light: The light from smartphones and other electronic devices can interfere with sleep. If you need to get up at night, use a flashlight instead of turning on the lights to minimize visual disruption.
- Fluids: Avoid drinking alcohol before bed as it can disrupt sleep. Instead, opt for fluids like chamomile tea, which is believed to interact with benzodiazepine receptors in the brain involved in the sleep-wake transition.
Herbal Remedies and Cannabinoids
Herbal remedies and cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, such as delta-tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have gained interest as sleep aids. However, it's important to note that these remedies are not subject to the same rigorous approval processes as medications, and their long-term effects may not be fully understood. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or herbal remedy, especially if you are taking medication or have underlying health conditions.
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Sleep medication and income
Sleep medication use varies according to several factors, including age, gender, race, and income. In 2020, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that 8.4% of adults used sleep medication every day or most days in the past 30 days to help them fall or stay asleep. This percentage increased with age, from 5.6% of those aged 18–44, to 10.1% of those aged 45–64, and 11.9% of those aged 65 and over. Additionally, women were more likely to use sleep medication than men across all age groups.
Income is another important factor influencing sleep medication use. According to the National Health Interview Survey, sleep medication use decreased as family income increased. Specifically, 10.0% of adults with family incomes below the federal poverty level (FPL) used sleep medication, compared to 8.7% of those with incomes between 100% and 200% of FPL, and 8.2% of those with incomes at or above 200% of FPL. These differences were more pronounced among men, with 8.3% of men below the FPL using sleep medication, compared to 6.0% of men at or above 200% of FPL. Among women, there were no significant differences in sleep medication use across family income levels.
The relationship between income and sleep medication use may be influenced by various factors. For example, individuals with lower incomes may experience more stress, anxiety, or challenging working conditions, which can contribute to sleep difficulties. Additionally, access to healthcare services and treatment options may vary between income groups, impacting the likelihood of individuals seeking help for sleep issues.
It is worth noting that the use of sleep medication can have side effects and is generally not recommended for long-term use. Non-medication-based sleep habits, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are often the first choice for improving sleep, especially in older adults. While sleep aids can provide temporary relief, addressing the underlying causes of sleep difficulties through lifestyle changes or other treatments may be a more sustainable approach.
In conclusion, sleep medication use is influenced by various factors, including income. While individuals across all income levels use sleep medication, those with lower incomes tend to have higher usage rates. Understanding the relationship between income and sleep medication use can help inform public health initiatives, improve access to non-medication-based sleep interventions, and promote healthier sleep habits among all individuals.
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Sleep medication usage by race
According to the CDC, in 2020, 8.4% of adults in the United States took sleep medication every day or on most days in the past 30 days to help them fall or stay asleep. This figure represents a significant increase from 2005-2010, when only 4% of adults reported using sleep aids. The use of sleep medication was found to increase with age, with 5.6% of those aged 18-44, 10.1% of those aged 45-64, and 11.9% of those aged 65 and over taking medication to aid with sleep.
When examining sleep medication usage by race, several trends emerge. Firstly, among men, non-Hispanic White men had the highest usage rate at 8.0%, followed by non-Hispanic Black men at 6.1%, Hispanic men at 4.6%, and non-Hispanic Asian men at 1.7%. Secondly, among women, non-Hispanic White women had the highest usage rate at 12.6%, followed by Hispanic women at 5.4%, and non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic Asian women at 3.9%. Overall, non-Hispanic White adults had the highest usage rate at 10.4%, while non-Hispanic Asian adults had the lowest rate at 2.8%.
It is important to note that the usage rates among racial groups may be influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status, cognitive reserve, and potential racial biases in the prescription of controlled substances. For example, one study suggested that African Americans who have greater access to sleep medications may have a higher socioeconomic status and, consequently, a lower risk of dementia compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Additionally, race-based differences in sleep quality may also contribute to variations in sleep medication usage rates.
While sleep medication usage rates vary across racial groups, it is important to prioritize sleep hygiene and practice good sleep habits before resorting to medication. This includes habits such as avoiding electronics before bedtime, maintaining a consistent sleep-wake routine, limiting caffeine intake in the late afternoons, and managing nap durations. By improving sleep hygiene and habits, individuals may be able to enhance their sleep quality and duration without relying solely on sleep medications.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the CDC, 8.4% of adults take sleep medication most nights, with 18% of U.S. adults using some form of sleep medication.
Women are more likely to take sleep medication than men across all age groups.
Yes, non-Hispanic White adults are most likely to use sleep medication, while non-Hispanic Asian adults are least likely.
Yes, sleep medication usage increases with age. For example, 5.6% of people aged 18-44 take sleep medication, compared to 11.9% of people aged 65 and over.
Yes, sleep medication usage decreases with increasing family income.
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