A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas suggests that quitting sleeping pills could help middle-aged and elderly individuals live longer, healthier lives — while also saving money.
Researchers found that discontinuing sleeping pills could reduce the risk of falls by about 9%, slow cognitive decline by 2%, and extend life expectancy by more than a month on average. The shift could also save thousands of dollars in healthcare and medication expenses.
The study, led by Henke Haven Johnson from the Schaefer Center for Health Policy and Economics at the University of Southern California, emphasized that reducing dependency on sleeping medication can significantly improve both physical and mental health outcomes. Johnson noted that doing so allows seniors to lead more active and independent lives.
According to the findings, more than 15 million Americans aged 50 and above regularly use sleeping pills, despite long-standing medical warnings about their side effects.
Insomnia affects nearly half of people aged 65 and older and is often tied to conditions such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, and dementia. However, the prolonged use of sleep medication may exacerbate these risks, leading to increased incidents of sleepwalking, nightmares, and falls.
The most substantial benefits were observed among individuals aged 65 to 74, who experienced improved mental alertness, physical safety, and longevity after quitting sleep medications.
Experts highlighted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as a safer, long-term solution. Senior researcher Dr. Jason and his team explained that CBT-I works by reshaping harmful sleep-related thoughts and behaviors, providing lasting results without the side effects of drugs.
The research underscores the dangers of long-term sleeping pill use and encourages older adults to consult their healthcare providers about non-drug therapies to improve sleep quality and promote healthier aging.
