Sleeping pill users should worry about long term effects they are going to face. According to new study conducted by Laval University, Canada, researchers they are third more likely to die prematurely than those who do not.
The figure takes into account factors that can affect longevity, from social class and chronic health conditions to smoking and alcohol use. And, unlike previous research, it also recognizes the effects of depression.
- Daily Mail
These findings may have significant implications for the health and habits of the largest sleeping pill user nation, UK. According to statistics, with over ten million sleeping tablet prescriptions written very year and many more pills sold OTC in UK.
Improtantly, the study did not distinguish between those who were chronic users and those who only took them occasionally.
“These medications aren’t candy and taking them is far from harmless.”
- Researcher, Dr. Genevieve Belleville.
But British experts questioned whether the Canadian study had over-stated the risks. And they stressed that while sleeping pills should be prescribed prudently they still have a place in modern medicine.
Dr Belleville analysed 12 years of data on more than 12,000 Canadians.
When all other factors were equal, death rates were found to be significantly higher among sleeping pill users and those taking tablets to ease anxiety.
To know more about the data and how the study was conducted? Please visit Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.
