Avoid sleeping pills if possible
Despite the bad press about sleeping pills and despite the fact that people naturally tend to sleep less as they age, sleeping pills are still prescribed for older people. The side effects include unsteadiness, falls and memory problems.
Researchers have gathered the available evidence from trials of sleeping sedatives in people over the age of 60, to see where the balance of harms and good might lie.
On average, sleeping time went up by only 25 minutes and awakenings reduced by about one every two nights. Thirteen people had to take a sedative for one to have a better night’s sleep.
However, one person in six taking these medications was harmed by them – so the chances of harm were twice those of a benefit, with a four fold risk of daytime sleepiness, a five fold increased risk of memory problems and increased numbers of falls.
