Each day, nearly 3 million French people turn to a particular medication to relieve their nights. This drug, although “effective in treating insomnia, could paradoxically speed up a feared phenomenon of all: aging.
These are sleeping pillsand more specifically drugs from the benzodiazepine family, largely prescribed to combat sleep disorders, especially in the elderly.
The impact of sleeping pills on aging
Insomnia is a common problem, especially among seniors, where nearly 3.5 million people over 65 consume sleeping pills regularly, according to the High Authority for Health. The most used drugs belong to the benzodiazepine class, with well -known names such as Stilnox (Zolpidem), Imovane (Zopiclone), or Mogadon (Nitrazepam).
If these drugs are effective in providing rapid relief in the event of sleep disorders, their prolonged use seems to have worrying side effects, as pointed out. A recent study highlighted a link between regular pounding and acceleration of aging, especially in people over the age of 65. The study, conducted on more than 6,700 participants, has shown that the frequent taking of sleeping pills could lead to a faster loss of autonomy, increasing the risk of inability to carry out activities of daily life, such as washing, dressing, or even moving.
A revealing study on loss of autonomy
This study, published in the journal Sleep, sought to determine the impact of sleep disorders and sleeping pills on the physical health of the elderly. Following the sleep habits of more than 6,700 participants aged 65 and over, researchers established a direct correlation between the frequency of insomnia and a loss of autonomy. The results have shown that people who have frequently suffering from insomnia were more vulnerable to a decrease in their independence. But that’s not all: regular pounds exacerbated these effects, resulting in an even more pronounced loss of autonomy.
According to Pr Soomi Lee, the study co-author, many elderly people think that sleep disorders are part of aging, but it is actually a problem to be dealt with to avoid serious consequences on their quality of life. The sleeping pills, by making the short -term fall asleep, also alter the quality of sleep in depth, This can have deleterious effects on memory, mobility and autonomy over time.
France in the face of a major public health issue
In France, the use of sleeping pills remains a common practice, despite the recommendations of the health authorities. The French Medicines Agency is advised not beyond three consecutive weeks, in order to avoid the risks linked to the dependence and degradation of the physical and mental health of users. However, almost a third of the elderly continue to take these drugs without regular medical evaluation of their effects.
This raises a major public health issue: how to treat insomnia in the elderly without harming their global well-being? Experts agree that it is essential to favor non -drug alternatives, such as cognitive and behavioral therapy for sleep, which has proven itself in the treatment of chronic insomnia. In addition, stress management and relaxation strategies can offer lasting relief, without the unwanted side effects of sleeping pills.
Aging: an inevitable, but avoidable phenomenon
Aging is a natural process that we cannot avoid. However, it is possible to mitigate the effects. Take care of your sleep, avoid substances that alter its quality, and adopt a healthy lifestyle are key gestures to preserve its long -term autonomy. Prevention involves adequate management of drugs, in particular those who affect the quality of life of the older ones.
In conclusion, although sleeping pills can be a short -term solution to fight insomnia, their prolonged taking can accelerate aging and cause serious consequences on the health of seniors. A more thoughtful and better supervised use, as well as the search for alternative solutions, is essential to improve the quality of life of the elderly, and slow down the effects of aging.
