Dangers of Sleeping Pills

Dangers of sleeping pills into the conversation and the problems many people. If you have insomnia, is often the solution is easy to use sleeping pills. Should be careful to consume excessive sleeping pills. Recent research indicates, the use of sleeping pills on a regular basis could pose a risk of death and lead to several types of cancer.

The new study in the United States shows, they are at risk of taking sleeping pills four times more likely to die than those who did not drink it. Research shows a link between the use of sleeping pills with an increased risk of developing certain cancers. These findings were published online on February 27, 2012 in the journal BMJ open.

Sleeping pills that could potentially trigger this risk include benzodiazepines such as temazepam; non-benzodiazepines such as Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Sonata (zaleplon), barbiturates, sedatives, and antihistamines.

But the researchers stressed that these findings only show an association between sleep aids and the risk of death, do not explain causality. Experts urge everyone to be cautious in concluding these findings.

"The use of sleeping pills have been associated with increased mortality and the emergence of new cancers," said Dr. Daniel Kripke, of the Scripps Clinic Sleep Center Viterbi Family, in La Jolla, California.

In its findings, Kripke and his team track the study data involving more than 10,500 people, average age 54 years. Study participants had a variety of health conditions and was prescribed sleeping pills for about 2.5 years in 2002-2007. Then the researchers compared the risk of cancer-related deaths and in those who took sleeping pills.

Those who have been prescribed to 18 doses per year were 3.6 times greater risk of dying than their counterparts who were not given a prescription. While the participants were prescribed a dose of 18-132 risk four times more likely to die. Meanwhile, participants who consumed more than 132 doses per year have a risk of mortality five times greater than those who did not get a prescription. According to researchers, this finding is true regardless of age, but the risks are highest among persons aged 18-55 years.

In particular, researchers note, there were 265 deaths among 4336 people who use Ambien (sleeping pills) than the 295 deaths among 23 671 people who did not take tranquilizers or sleeping pills.

Those taking the highest doses are also at greater risk of some cancers, including esophageal cancer, lymphoma, lung, colon and prostate. Interestingly, the risk of leukemia, breast cancer, uterine cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia and melanoma is not increased.

According to Kripke, there are many mechanisms that could explain the increased risk of the above. For example, esophageal regurgitation can lead to esophageal cancer. In addition the use of sleeping pills also make people with sleep apnea conditions much worse, and more vulnerable to falls and car accidents.

Meanwhile, Dr. Victor Fornari, director of child and adolescent mental health specialists from the Zucker Hillside Hospital said that people who take sleeping pills should not panic. According to him, there are many reasons that could explain the increased risk of death and the use of sleeping pills have little effect.

"Sleep is the first thing to do when someone is under pressure due to medical illness or psychological problems. This is a safe and effective medicines when prescribed by a physician as part of a comprehensive treatment plan," he said.

"Do not stop taking sleeping pills if you feel that you need it and have used it as directed. But you should be aware that this drug can not be used in vain," he said.

Fornari explains that, there are many alternative ways to cope with sleeping disorders such as time spent napping, physical activity, avoid caffeine and do things that can improve sleep hygiene.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bryan Bruno, head of the department of psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City, warned of the impact of the use of sleeping pills in the long term.

Sleeping pills can be dangerous and ideally should only be used temporary or short term. If possible, avoid the use of sleeping pills in the long run to to prevent the risk of dependence. Regardless of whether it is harmful or not, this drug should be used carefully.

So, when it found that disturbed sleep, the solution should not rely on sleeping pills in the long run. Do things better in a natural way. beautiful healthy lifstyle

Source : www.healthday.com