A new study from the University of California, San Francisco, suggests that using sleep medications often may increase the risk of developing dementia—especially in white individuals.
This research adds to growing concerns about the long-term safety of sleep aids.
The study followed about 3,000 older adults who did not have dementia when the research began. These participants were part of a long-term project called the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study.
On average, they were 74 years old and were followed for about nine years. The group was racially diverse, with 58% white participants and 42% Black participants.
Over the course of the study, 20% of all participants developed dementia. The researchers found that white individuals who often used sleep medications were 79% more likely to develop dementia than those who rarely or never used them.
Frequent use was defined as taking sleep meds five or more times a month. This risk was not seen in Black participants, who were less likely to use sleep medications in the first place.
The study also found that the types of sleep medications used varied by race. 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 and Restoril, which are commonly prescribed for insomnia.
They were also ten times more likely to use trazodone, an antidepressant often used to help with sleep, and more than seven times as likely to use Z-drugs like Ambien.
Although the study uncovered a strong connection between sleep medication use and dementia risk, it does not prove that sleep drugs directly cause dementia. More research is needed to understand how these drugs affect the brain and whether race plays a role in how people respond to them.
This study highlights the importance of being cautious when using sleep medications, especially for white individuals who may be at greater risk. Doctors are encouraged to explore safer options for improving sleep whenever possible.
Non-drug treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and healthy sleep habits can be just as effective. These include reducing caffeine, avoiding screens before bed, and keeping a regular sleep schedule.
Previous studies have also linked sleep medications to other health risks, such as falls, car accidents, and even higher chances of death. Some research has even tied long-term use of these drugs to a greater risk of cancer.
For example, a 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that long-term users of benzodiazepines and similar drugs were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings from this new study, led by Yue Leng, were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. They point to the need for more research into how sleep medications affect the brain over time and why the risks may differ between racial groups.
If you struggle with sleep, talk to your doctor about safer options. In many cases, small changes to your routine can lead to better sleep and better health—without the risks linked to medications.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
