A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Americas has revealed that middle-aged and elderly individuals can enjoy a healthier old age — and even save money — by quitting sleeping pills.
Researchers found that stopping the use of sleeping pills could reduce the risk of falls by about 9 percent, slow cognitive decline by 2 percent, and increase life expectancy by more than a month on average. The move could also result in thousands of dollars in healthcare and medication savings.
The research, led by Henke Haven Johnson from the Schaefer Center for Health Policy and Economics at the University of Southern California, highlighted the benefits of reducing dependency on sleeping medications.
Johnson explained that lowering the use of sleeping pills among seniors can contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes, enabling them to lead safer, more active lives.
How Common is sleeping pill use among older adults?
According to the study, over 15 million Americans aged 50 and above regularly use sleeping pills — despite persistent medical warnings about the long-term effects.
Insomnia affects nearly half of people aged 65 and older and is often linked with other health issues such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, and dementia. However, researchers cautioned that prolonged use of sleeping pills may worsen these risks by increasing incidents of sleepwalking, nightmares, and falls.
Strongest benefits seen in ages 65–74
The study, which analyzed data from the Federal Health and Retirement Study, found that the most significant improvements were observed among participants aged between 65 and 74.
For this age group, quitting sleeping pills not only improved physical safety but also supported better mental alertness and longevity.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Experts have recommended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as a more effective and safer alternative to medication.
Senior researcher Jason Dr. and his team emphasized that CBT-I focuses on changing sleep-related behaviors and thought patterns, offering long-term relief without the side effects associated with sleeping pills.
The findings shed light on the potential dangers of relying on sleeping pills for long-term insomnia management. Experts suggest that older adults discuss alternative therapies like CBT-I with their healthcare providers to reduce medication dependency and improve overall well-being.
With millions of seniors at risk of falls and cognitive decline, the study reinforces the growing call for non-drug approaches to better sleep and healthier aging.
