Mortality Risks of Medication for Insomnia Treatment

Beginning in the 20^th century, it became quite common in Port Washington to prescribe various sleep-inducing medications to patients who complained of subjective insomnia. Originally, the medications of choice were barbiturates and benzodiazepines. In later years, these classes of drugs were supplanted by non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, such as Ambien and Lunesta, which were recognized as carrying a lesser risk of addiction and overdose. In 2010, an estimated 6% to 10% of the national population was prescribed one of these drugs for treating their insomnia.

Although Ambien and Lunesta remain a popular choice for insomnia treatment in Port Washington, numerous studies have produced evidence of significant health and mortality risks associated with long-term use of these medications, especially in elderly patients. 

1979: Sedatives Recognized as Cancer Risk—A Fact Summarily Swept Under the Rug 

Back in 1979, the American Cancer Society’s landmark Cancer Prevention Study 1 came to the conclusion that, without a doubt, cigarettes cause cancer. You may not know, however, that the same study also concluded that long-term use of hypnotic medications were just as strongly associated with excessive deaths. Because the study was not initially designed to study these drugs, these results were conveniently ignored. Since then, numerous studies have affirmed that there are risks associated with long-term use of hypnotic medications.

These medications are much safer when used in the short term; the real risks are with long-term chronic use. 

Why Is Long-Term Chronic Use of Insomnia Medication So Risky? 

Scientists have not yet fully determined the causes of the mortality risks of long-term hypnotic use for insomnia treatment. Some of the effects that may contribute to the risks of chronic sedative-hypnotic use include:

·         Impaired coordination, reaction time, memory, and alertness, which may increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially with the elderly.

·         Medication for insomnia treatment may depress the respiratory system. This could aggravate sleep-related breathing disorders, especially in people with a history of COPD or heart problems.

·         People who have difficulty sleeping may additionally self-medicate using alcohol or other depressant drugs, which intensify the effects of sedative-hypnotics and benzodiazepines to an extent that can potentially be dangerous.

Are There Safer Alternatives to Medication for Insomnia in Port Washington? 

Researchers involved in studies confirming the mortality risks of long-term use of sleep medication recommend that the public be informed of the risks of hypnotic sleep medication, and that physicians should take care in prescribing these medications—especially to elderly patients. The researchers also recommend that physicians discuss non-pharmacological alternatives with their patients.

There are several alternatives to medications for insomnia in Port Washington, many of which are strongly supported by clinical studies of their effectiveness. Some alternative treatments that may be safer than sleeping pills include:

·         Cognitive-behavioral therapy - a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to problems like insomnia and anxiety. Many people in Port Washington have trouble sleeping because they’re stressed, have poor sleep hygiene habits, or because of other reasons that can be remedied through changes in behavior.

·         Herbs and supplements - such as melatonin and valerian root, are effective for many people without the risks and side effects associated with synthetic pharmaceuticals.

·         Neurofeedback therapy - now available in the Port Washington area, is one of the most promising alternatives to pharmaceuticals for insomnia treatment, as well as anxiety and a host of other brain-based conditions. Neurofeedback therapy uses EEG neuroimaging to identify and correct brainwave dysregulation in certain areas of the brain, which has been identified as a key factor in insomnia.

Long-term use of sleeping pills, including benzodiazepines like Xanax and non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics like Ambien and Lunesta, has been shown to be associated with higher risk of mortality and may be dangerous. Better options for long-term insomnia treatment include CBT, herbal remedies, and neurofeedback therapy. These may be much safer and more appropriate choices of treatment for Port Washington insomniacs.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA