FREQUENT SLEEP MEDICATION USE MAY increase your dementia risk. That is the suggestion of new research results, with the medication-dementia risk appearing most significant among white individuals. Today we look at 4 sleep medicines that may increase your dementia risk.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that over eight percent of adults regularly take medicines to help them sleep. Among older adults, sleep medicine use is higher — 12 percent of those over 65 rely on sleep medications.
As I age, my challenges of getting sufficient sleep increase. Over time, it is more difficult for me to fall asleep quickly, get seven to nine hours of sleep, and awaken later. I am more prone to disturbance and awakening and occasionally need to nap during the day.
Fortunately, I do not need to take medicines for sleep. Did you know that some sleep aids may be causing you potential harm? A studying the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease discovered that frequent use of sleep medication is associated with a higher risk of dementia, particularly in white individuals.
4 sleep medicines and dementia risk
Researchers analyzed a random sample of over 3,000 men and women, ages 70 to 79. None of the participants had dementia. All volunteered for the American Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study.
The researchers asked the study participants if they took sleep medicines and how frequently (never, one or fewer times per month, two to four times monthly, five to 15 times, or 16 to 30 times). They repeated the questions in years three and five.
The study examined several sleep medications, including over-the-counter antihistamines. Researchers also examined prescription drugs such as anti-psychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants.
The subjects brought their sleep medicines into the clinic at each research visit. Here are the results:
- White subjects were nearly three times more likely (than Blacks) to use sleep medicines often or almost always (eight versus three percent).]
- Women used sleep medications the most frequently.
With an average follow-up of 9.2 years, 20 percent of the study group developed dementia.
For those using sleep medicines at least five times per month, the dementia risk was 1.83 times higher for whites and 1.32 times for blacks. Occasional sleep medicine use did not appear to be associated with dementia.
My take — 4 sleep medicines and dementia risk
The was an association between frequent sleep medicine use and dementia risk, especially for white participants. Occasional sleep medication use did not appear connected to dementia.
A study author explains why Blacks did not appear to experience the link between sleep medicine use and dementia:
“Previous studies have shown that there might be racial biases in the prescription of controlled substances. This study and others showed that Blacks are less likely to receive a prescription for a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines have been found to have anticholinergic activity, which increases the risk for dementia.”
While the findings are provocative, this association study does not demonstrate a causal relationship. The study reminds us to discuss medicines with our healthcare providers and to practice good sleep hygiene.
Sufficient sleep is essential to optimize health. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults ages 18–60 get at least seven hours of sleep a night and offers some helpful hints to achieve this:
- Get to bed and get up at the same time daily, including on weekends.
- Make your bedroom quiet, dark, relaxing, and cool.
- Remove electronic devices — computers, cell phones, and televisions — from the bedroom.
- Don’t eat large meals or consume alcohol or caffeine before bedtime.
- Don’t smoke.
- Do exercise during the day.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for joining me in this look at four sleep medicines and dementia risk.
