Are you one of the many Americans who reach for a sleep aid when you’re tossing and turning? If so, you’re far from alone.
But before you pop that pill, you should be aware that experts are raising red flags. Let’s dive into what’s going on.
Who’s Taking Sleep Aids and Why It’s a Big Deal
Almost 1 in 5 American adults uses some form of sleep aid, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To break it down further, about 8 in 100 adults use these meds just about every night. An additional 10 in 100 use them here and there.
More women than men are taking these pills, and white adults use them more than people of other races. The study also found that the wealthier men are, the less likely they are to use sleep aids.
This has doctors and experts worried for a couple of reasons. For starters, many sleep aids are meant to be a short-term solution, like when you’re jet-lagged or going through a stressful event.
They’re not intended for long-term use. However, it seems people are making a habit of it. This is a problem because you might start to feel like you can’t sleep without them, and this can be a tricky cycle to break.
Why You Should Be Cautious
If you’re leaning on sleep aids, especially for a long time, you might end up feeling like a zombie the next day.
These meds can mess with your alertness and could even conflict with other medications you’re taking. In simple terms, these sleep aids could be doing you more harm than good in the long run.
Moreover, recent research has brought up even more serious concerns.
A new study suggests that frequent use of sleep meds by white adults may increase the risk of developing dementia, a disease that affects memory and thinking. Though the reasons are still unclear, this is a risk not to be taken lightly.
Better Ways to Tackle Sleepless Nights
There are better ways to tackle your sleep issues without depending on pills. Sleep experts recommend simple lifestyle changes that could make a big difference.
For example, go to bed at the same time every night and make sure your bedroom is cool and dark. Keep your phone and laptop out of the bedroom—they distract you and make it harder to fall asleep.
Talking to a professional can also help. Sleep experts can identify the root cause of your sleep issues and offer treatments that don’t require medication.
One helpful approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you understand your thoughts and behaviors that might be messing with your sleep.
Sleep Isn’t Just About Feeling Rested
Good sleep is crucial for everyone, from kids to the elderly. Poor sleep can lead to bad grades for kids and lower productivity for adults.
It’s also linked to serious health issues like weight gain, heart problems, and a weaker immune system.
Conclusion
So, before you reach for that sleep aid, consider alternative ways to improve your sleep. Simple lifestyle changes or talking to an expert can go a long way.
Given the potential risks and side effects, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Sleep is important, but it’s also important to approach it in a healthy way. After all, everyone deserves a good night’s sleep.
If you care about sleep, please read studies about the science on 3 traditional bedtime remedies, and these foods may help improve your sleep.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies about tea that could help you lose weight while sleeping, and results showing this sleep supplement may help prevent memory loss, and cognitive decline.
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