The results showed that about 15% of the study participants used sleep medicine routinely, and those who used them “most nights” or “every night” were 30% more likely to develop dementia during the study period. The authors accounted for differences in age, sex, marital status, education, or other chronic conditions that may have affected their risk of dementia. This is troubling considering the number of people who rely on sleep medications to get a good night’s rest. More than 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, and a Medical Expenditures Panel Survey showed that the number of adults in the U.S. using a prescription sleep medication increased 67% (from 8.1 million to 13.5 million) between 1996 and 2013. This study does have some limitations. It doesn’t fully explain the ins and outs of the connection, and it leaves quite a few open questions about the mechanism of action behind it. The authors point out that it’s also possible that insomnia is a very early symptom of dementia that a person experiences far before doctors are able to detect and diagnose the syndrome’s onset, which would explain the link. It’s worth noting that not all sleep aids have a negative effect on the brain. Non-hormonal, more natural options can improve sleep quality without the side effects. For example, studies have shown that magnesium glycinate, which combines magnesium and the amino acid glycine, can improve sleep quality and sleep efficacy. Other ingredients that show potential in promoting sleep and relaxation include valerian5, hops6, tart cherry7, and lavender8. Here’s a list of brain-safe, non-hormonal sleep aids to consider. As always, consult with a doctor before making any medication changes.
