All articles tagged with #sleep medication
A mouse study suggests that the insomnia drug lemborexant may improve sleep and protect the brain from tau protein buildup, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing brain damage and inflammation. However, further research in humans is needed to confirm these findings.
A reader asks Dr. Keith Roach about the long-term risks of continued use of Xanax (alprazolam) for sleep. Dr. Roach highlights a recent study that suggests chronic use of benzodiazepines like Xanax can lead to neurological dysfunction, including low energy, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and anxiety. He advises against suddenly discontinuing the medication and recommends a slow tapering process under medical supervision. Dr. Roach also suggests considering behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as a safer and more effective alternative for insomnia. In response to another question, he advises against fruit and vegetable supplements, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet with fresh or frozen produce for optimal nutrition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (C.B.T.-I.) is considered the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia, with studies showing that as many as 80% of patients experience improvements in their sleep. Unlike sleep medication, C.B.T.-I. is safe for adults of any age and can even be adapted for use in children. The therapy targets behaviors that inhibit sleep and aims to address anxieties and negative beliefs about sleep. Patients are taught relaxation techniques and encouraged to view their bed as a place for restful sleep. While finding a C.B.T.-I. provider may be challenging, self-directed online programs have been found to be just as effective as face-to-face counseling.
A new survey presented at the SLEEP 2023 annual meeting in Indianapolis found that 75% of participants reported sleeping better after sex/orgasm, and 64% felt that a sleeping pill had a similar or worse effect on their sleep. The study authors noted that little scientific data exists around the impact of sex and orgasm on sleep quality. Sleep medication has a lot of side effects, and it's not recommended to use them for more than two weeks. Sex has many health benefits, including a good night's sleep.
A study conducted on approximately 5,000 patients at a sleep clinic revealed that clock-watching while trying to fall asleep intensifies insomnia symptoms and increases the use of sleep aids. The behavior triggers a cycle of worry about not getting sufficient sleep, leading to increased stress and difficulty falling asleep. A simple behavioral intervention, avoiding checking the time, could help manage insomnia more effectively. The research indicates that time monitoring behavior mainly has an effect on sleep medication use because it exacerbates insomnia symptoms.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology found that taking the sleep medication suvorexant before bed reduced the levels of Alzheimer's proteins in the spinal fluid of participants. Alzheimer's patients often experience sleep disturbances, but it's unclear whether poor sleep causes Alzheimer's or vice versa. The study included 38 participants who had no known cognitive impairments and no evidence of Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain. While the initial results are promising, longer-term studies with larger participant groups are needed to confirm the findings. The study author recommends that individuals with sleep disturbances should see their doctor and be evaluated for sleep disorders before taking any medications.
A small study suggests that the insomnia medication suvorexant could potentially reduce Alzheimer’s proteins in the brain, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in preventing or slowing the disease. Participants who took a higher dose of the drug experienced a significant drop in amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau levels. Sleep disturbances can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, and poor sleep accelerates harmful changes to the brain.
A small study has shown that suvorexant, a sleep medication commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, reduced levels of the Alzheimer’s-associated amyloid beta protein and hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain. The study suggests that sleep medications could slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed to confirm the viability of such an approach.
A study has found that taking sleep medication is linked to a 79% increased risk of dementia among white people, but not in Black people. The study included around 3,000 older people, and the results showed that white people were three times as likely to take sleep medication as Black people. For sleep problems, other options than medication should be considered, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) or melatonin. Poor sleep is one of the common symptoms of dementia, and people who sleep for too little or too long are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia.