Doctors are increasingly warning that the common use of sleeping pills carries real risks to life span. According to a new study, people who depend on sleep aids may face higher mortality and increased risks of accidents.
Treatment protocols emphasise that sleeping pills are meant for short-term relief only. One health portal explains that “they should only be used for a short time, to reduce your chance of becoming dependent on them.” Long-term use does not address the root of the insomnia and may lead to more trouble than it solves.
A major study found that users of sleeping pills had a significantly higher risk of early death. In one analysis, those sleeping 6-8 hours but taking sleep medications saw a 55 % higher mortality risk compared to non-users with the same sleep duration. The same study suggested life expectancy could drop by up to six years for regular users.
Doctors point out that the risks include more falls, cognitive decline, and physical injury, especially among older adults. A recent warning explained that quitting sleeping pills might reduce falls by about 9 per cent, slow cognitive decline by 2 per cent, and extend life expectancy by over a month on average.
In many cases, experts recommend exploring non-medication approaches to insomnia rather than relying on pills. For example, one article highlights that sleep hygiene, therapy, and lifestyle changes may offer safer alternatives.
Interestingly, while reviewing health hazards, we also came across another area of concern: the hidden risks of everyday sanitiser use. In the news, it is described thathow ethanol in some hand-sanitizers may pose long-term dangers beyond what many users assume.
In short: if you’ve been reaching for sleeping pills night after night, it may be time to pause and reassess. Discuss with your doctor whether the medication is truly necessary, and ask about strategies for safer, sustainable sleep.
