According to Science Daily, a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry shows that the use of medications for treatment of insomnia and anxiety may result in increased risk of death.
The study analyzed 12 years worth of data on over 14,000 Canadians that were obtained through Canada’s National Population Health Survey between the years of 1994 and 2007. Subjects ranged in age between 18 and 102 years. .
After accounting for social demographics, health status and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of mortality, researchers involved in the study determined that the consumption of sleeping pills for the treatment of insomnia or anti-anxiety medications was associated with a 36 percent increase in the risk of death.
Scientists believe that the association between consumption of sleeping and anti-anxiety medication could be caused by several factors, including delayed reaction time and decreased coordination, which could result in more falls and accidents.
People experiencing ongoing insomnia symptoms (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up early) should speak with their doctor or a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the best method of treatment.
Sleep experts typically recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to ease symptoms before prescribing medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a non-pharmacological way to obtain long- lasting relief for insomnia. Because of potential side effects and addictive properties, sleep medications are typically only used to relieve symptoms for a short period of time. Patients often resist CBT because they think it won’t work but many research studies and my own clinical experience show that it is the best long term treatment for insomnia.
