Sleeping pills pose risks to older users

Insomnia can often affect the quality of life for older people leading many to rely on commonly used tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines, known to be highly addictive. The present study analyzed results of 24 studies carried out between 1966 and 2003, finding a significant link between sedative use and adverse effects in elderly populations.

The 24 studies included 2,417 participants in total and looked at the effects of sedative hypnotics including over the counter medications such as antihistamines, and prescription only drugs like benzodiazepine. Research only included cases where people who were 60 and above had been taking them for five consecutive nights, compared to people taking placebos.

Effects such as dizziness or loss of balance were reported in 13 studies (1,016 participants). Seven of the 59 psychomotor effects that were reported in these studies were serious events; six falls and one car crash.

But the researchers also found there were many potential benefits for people taking sedatives such as improved quality of sleep (more sound uninterrupted sleep), ease of getting to sleep and total sleep time. On balance however, they argue that although treatment with sedative hypnotics improves aspects of sleep, the risk of adverse effects rises with such treatment.