News Sleep Medication Increases Death 1 In 16 For 50+

[anthony]

For those nearing 50 years of age, or over 50, who use sleep medication, you may want to rethink your sleep strategy after viewing the results of this rather extensive study recently completed and released from the US.

Whilst there are lots of news stories about it, the problem is news is news, thus they sensationalise it, not provide the facts. So here is a link to the direct study for you to read yourself: http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000850.full.pdf

Media failed to state the mean age is 50+ for starters, so not as much applicable to younger persons than older. They also love to use the term, 4 fold, being 4x4=16, so it sounds worse again. Don't get me wrong, it is pretty bad nonetheless.

Basically, any hypnotic drug increases your chance of death during sleep to 1 in 16 chance if you consume more than 18 per annum, even a percentage applied to those who consume less. That is some pretty compelling, eye opening odds there. This isn't lotto odds, this is 1 in 16 chance of death based from a study extending over 10,000 users of hypnotic drugs as sleep aids, over 30,000 people overall, the remainder being placebo group death rate.

The key names are: Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnox) and Temazepam (Euhypnos, Normison, Norkotral, Nortem, Remestan, Restoril, Temaze, Temtabs, Tenox).

Even those under 50 years of age, you would find there is a significant increase in chances of death compared to not taking them based on this research, which is quite conclusive within its own right nearly.

 

[KP the nut]

Thanks Anthony, one thing I don't have to worry about thank goodness. I will bear it in mind should the need arise.

 

[SimplyComplex]

def worth talking to one's doctor about.

 

[ericaboo]

Glad I got off that stuff! I could tell it wasn't good.

Now I guess I'll find out that the anti-convulsives kill you too.

I guess we're all mortal, right?

 

[anthony]

I guess we're all mortal, right?

Drugs piss me off. Whilst I recognise and accept they're a needed requirement in life because some do truly keep a person alive, there are just so many that are nonsense OR being over-prescribed for off-label usage and / or just for the sake of it as lazy medicine, a quick fix approach, which typically only bites a person in the backside.

I honestly get sick of all the media nonsense with this is good for you, then a year later it is going to kill you. Drives me nuts...

Saying that, this study above is compelling in its own right though, and for those nearing 50 or over, I would be standing up and taking notice and getting rid of them now.

 

[ericaboo]

Yep - it's rank. I am always trying to get off meds and they're always putting me back on new ones.

I just got told - not sleeping's going to give me cardiac arrest... I will keep trying to find other solutions - I'm not just going to accept it that I have to be on chemicals.

 

[Ghost427]

Association does not prove causality, as even the full study indicated on the first page. Media always seems to skip that part

 

[ronnalee]

What works for me is 3 milligrams of Melatonin and 'Sleep Aid', i.e., in the U.S., this is the Dollar Store's name for Benadryl.

(I had become hypervigilant last Fall and couldn't fall asleep.) I look forward to weaning myself off of this.:)

 

[Ghost427]

I use Benadryl on occasion, it only takes about half of one to knock me out. Low tolerance for meds.

 

[ronnalee]

Yes I agree, half of one Benadryl is more than enough. I am feeling safer and more relaxed. I haven't been near my sufferer physically for a couple of months. :whistling:

Becoming hyper-vigilant and concerned for my own safety helped me to caretake for myself. Of this I am grateful. I am enjoying being on my path. I am enjoying learning more from this forum! :);)