Alzheimer’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the gradual loss of cognitive abilities such as memory retention, problem-solving skills, and language proficiency.

Hypnotics, also known as sleep aids, are commonly prescribed medications that help people fall asleep and stay asleep.

Although hypnotics are effective for treating short-term sleep disturbances, prolonged use has been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

What Are Hypnotics?

Hypnotics are a class of drugs that are used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. They are also known as sedatives and tranquillizers, and they work by depressing the central nervous system.

Hypnotics are usually prescribed for short-term use because they can be habit-forming and cause addiction.

Common types of hypnotics include benzodiazepines, which include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan; barbiturates, which include phenobarbital and Nembutal; and non-benzodiazepine sedatives, which include Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata.

The Link Between Hypnotics and Alzheimer’s

Studies have found a strong association between the use of hypnotics and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

A study published in the BMJ Open found that people who use hypnotics are up to 51% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who do not use them.

The study, which examined 3,500 French seniors, found that people who used hypnotics for more than three months had a 57% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

This increased risk was even more significant in people over the age of 80, who had a 69% increased risk.

The reason for the link between hypnotics and Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood. However, it is thought that the drugs may interfere with the production of a protein called beta-amyloid, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Hypnotics may also interfere with sleep, which plays an important role in clearing out beta-amyloid from the brain.

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that people who have fragmented sleep patterns have a higher risk of developing beta-amyloid plaques in their brain, which are a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alternatives to Hypnotics for Treating Insomnia

If you are experiencing sleep disturbances, there are several non-pharmacological alternatives that may help you get a better night’s sleep without the risks associated with hypnotics.

One of the most effective ways to improve sleep quality is to establish a regular sleep routine. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including on weekends.

It also means avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine in the evening, and avoiding alcohol, which can interfere with sleep quality.

Other non-pharmacological treatments that may help improve sleep quality include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.

CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that may be interfering with sleep. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of sleep disturbances.

In Conclusion

Although hypnotics are effective for treating short-term sleep disturbances, prolonged use has been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are experiencing sleep disturbances, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of these medications, and to explore non-pharmacological alternatives.

By establishing a regular sleep routine and incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine, you may improve your sleep quality without the risks associated with hypnotics.