Sleeping pills could be as bad for you as a pack a day

There’s some bad news for people that use sleeping pills to help them get some shut-eye.

We see them as the magical pill designed to help us drift off but now an expert claims they pose the same threat as smoking a packet of cigarettes a day.

According to Arizona State University sleep researcher Shawn Youngstedt, there is more and more evidence emerging of the dangers with links to cancer, debilitating falls and even heart attacks.

Youngstedt thinks anyone who is after a good nights sleep should turn to exercise instead of pills.

“Sleeping pills are extremely hazardous,” Youngstedt told CNN.

“Not to mention they cause infections, falling and dementia in the elderly, and they lose their effectiveness after a few weeks."

“It's less expensive, healthier and just as easy to exercise and there's an added bonus: research suggests those who are physically active a have lower risk of developing insomnia in the first place.”

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A landmark British study released in 2016 found one in 10 people are taking medication to help them sleep.

In Australia, 2011 PBS figures show that there were 921,100 people who had at least one PBS subsidised prescription for Anxiolytic/Hypnotic and sedative medications filled.

The Sleep Health Foundation says that Around 1 in 3 people have at least mild insomnia.

Researchers have always pushed for safer treatments for insomnia due to the risks, and in recent years have conducted various studies to assess the true side effects and risks of taking sleeping pills.

Keele University researchers found last August that the risk of a fracture is doubled in those who rely on the drugs to get a good night's sleep. A University of Washington study in 2015 also showed a worrying link between sleeping tablets and dementia.

To combat the issue safely, adults are advised to complete 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, with most choosing a brisk walk or gentle cycle, but not within four hours of going to bed.

Doing natural exercise, without the need to visit the gym, may provide the biggest benefit.

“I think trying to do it outside is also helpful, because bright light can help promote sleep. Light exposure helps regulate the body clock,” Youngstedt says.

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