A recent study from the University of California San Francisco suggests that sleep medications may raise the risk of dementia in white adults. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-drug alternatives for managing sleep problems, especially for older individuals.
The study followed nearly 3,000 older adults, all of whom were free of dementia at the beginning of the research. The participants, with an average age of 74, were tracked for nine years. Among them, 58% were white, and 42% were Black. Over the course of the study, 20% of participants developed dementia.
Researchers found that white participants who frequently took sleep medications—meaning they used them five or more times a month—had a 79% higher chance of developing dementia compared to those who rarely or never used them. However, among Black participants, there was no clear link between sleep medication use and dementia risk.
The study also revealed differences in how often sleep medications were used. White participants were three times more likely than Black participants to take sleep aids regularly.
They were nearly twice as likely to use benzodiazepines (such as Halcion, Dalmane, and Restoril) and more than seven times as likely to take sedative-hypnotic drugs like Ambien. Additionally, they were ten times more likely to use trazodone, an antidepressant that is sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid.
While the study found a strong connection between sleep medications and dementia risk in white adults, it did not prove that the medications directly cause dementia.
Researchers suggest that other factors, such as lifestyle differences or pre-existing health conditions, could play a role. However, the findings raise concerns about the long-term effects of these drugs on brain health.
Experts recommend that people struggling with sleep problems consider alternatives before turning to medication.
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, and avoiding screens before bedtime can improve sleep quality. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques may also be effective.
Doctors are advised to be cautious when prescribing sleep medications, particularly for white adults, who appear to have a higher risk of dementia linked to their use.
The study adds to growing evidence that long-term use of these medications may contribute to other health risks, including falls, fractures, car accidents, and even an increased risk of death.
This research was conducted by Yue Leng and colleagues and was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Choline deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and what to eat (and avoid) for dementia prevention.
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