To sleep, perchance to dream….
A recent study published in the British medical journal BMJ Open reveals some remarkable correlations between sleeping medication and an increased risk of dying.
That’ll kill you???
The study states that people taking a prescription sleeping pill have a 3 times greater chance of dying than people who do not take a sleeping pill or sedative. Whew! Really?
This study does not try to figure out why, exactly, people are at greater chance of dying when they take hypnotics and sedatives. We call this a ‘correlation,’ not necessarily a ’cause and effect.’ Future studies may reveal what this connection actually is.
What to do?
What can you do when you can’t sleep? You need to sleep, after all. First, you carefully examine your lifestyle and consider every aspect that may interfere with your sleep. That means look at what you eat and how you live. How about no more chocolate/caffeine late at night? Explore whether or not it is a good idea to watch that thriller 1/2 hour before you need to get to sleep! You may need to explore old issues with a therapist so that you can put those things ‘to bed.’
Don’t forget to get in for some acupuncture and herbal support. Sleep is a sweet way to replenish yourself in many ways, so give a call and see what we can do together.
… and stay tuned for more results from this same study.
D. Kripe et al., “Hypnotics’ association with mortality or cancer: a matched cohort study;” BMJ Open 2012;2:e000850.