Quitting Sleeping Pills Can Boost Health and Longevity in Older Adults, Study Finds

ISLASMABAD: A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas has found that middle-aged and elderly individuals can enjoy a healthier old age and save money by stopping the use of sleeping pills.

The research showed that quitting sleeping medications could lower the risk of falls by about 9 percent, slow cognitive decline by 2 percent, and increase life expectancy by over a month on average. Additionally, seniors could save thousands of dollars in healthcare and medication costs.

Led by Henke Haven Johnson from the Schaefer Center for Health Policy and Economics at the University of Southern California, the study emphasized that reducing dependency on sleeping pills can improve both physical and mental health, enabling seniors to live safer and more active lives.

Sleeping pill use is common among older adults, with over 15 million Americans aged 50 and above regularly taking these medications despite warnings about long-term side effects. Insomnia, affecting nearly half of people aged 65 and older, is often linked to depression, anxiety, heart disease, and dementia. Prolonged use of sleeping pills may worsen these risks by increasing incidents of sleepwalking, nightmares, and falls.

Read more: WHO Confirms Kenya Is Free From Sleeping Sickness Now

The strongest benefits of quitting sleeping pills were observed in individuals aged 65 to 74. For this group, stopping medication not only improved physical safety but also enhanced mental alertness and longevity.

Experts recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as a safer, more effective alternative. CBT-I focuses on changing sleep-related behaviors and thought patterns, offering long-term relief without the side effects of medications.

The study highlights the potential dangers of long-term reliance on sleeping pills and urges older adults to explore non-drug approaches with their healthcare providers to improve sleep and overall well-being.