
Insomnia, Medication, and Disability Risk in Older Adults
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Source article: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250417/Study-links-insomnia-and-sleep-medication-to-increased-disability-risk-in-older-adults.aspx
According to a new study from Penn State and Taipei Medical University, both increased insomnia symptoms and greater sleep medication use in older adults were linked to a higher risk of becoming disabled in daily activities a year later.
Specifically, the research found that for every incremental increase in insomnia symptoms or sleep medication usage experienced annually, an older person's risk of future disability increased by 20%.
The study, which analyzed data from a large sample of U.S. adults over 65, suggests that safely and effectively managing insomnia is important to potentially mitigate this risk, and points to treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy as a possible alternative to medication.
The researchers emphasize that older adults should discuss any sleep issues with their doctors to explore appropriate and safer management strategies.