The worst part is that many take it to improve their sleep …
Difficulties falling asleep, making a full night … Thousands of people suffer from insomnia, especially the elderly. Sleeping poorly alters the quality of life and increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in the aging population. Taking medication for sleeping is the solution favored by many. Certain treatments can do more harm than good, according to the study of Canadian researchers. “In addition to not being very sure, these drugs aggravate the quality of sleep, which can affect the health of the brain”warns Dr. Thanh Dang-Vu, neurologist and co-author of the study.
His team has analyzed the sleep of 101 people aged 55 to 80, divided into three groups: good sleepers, people with insomnia without treatment, and insomniacs using a particular drug, more than three times a week for more than three months. Thanks to night recordings, the researchers scrutinized the structure of their sleep in detail and measured their brain oscillations. According to the results published in the journal Sleep, the group which took the famous drug slept less and less well. Their deep sleep, essential to recover and consolidate memory, was reduced, while the superficial phases were longer.
The culprit? Well -known sleeping pills taken by 9 million French people according to the ANSM: benzodiazepines and related molecules (“Z drugs”). They are prescribed in France under names such as Lexomil® (Bromazepam), Xanax® (Alprazolam), Valium® (Diazepam), Stilnox® (Zolpidem) or even Imovane® (Zopiclone). The study shows that not only do these treatments reduce deep sleep, but that they also alter the synchronization of brain waves, a crucial process for memorization. The higher the dose, the worse the sleep. These alterations could partly explain why the chronic use of benzodiazepine is linked to a higher risk of cognitive disorders in the elderly.
Faced with this observation, it is crucial not to suddenly stop your treatment, which could cause “rebound insomnia”. The recommendation of researchers is a very progressive decrease, always framed by a doctor. In France, the duration of treatment should not exceed 3 weeks for benzodiazepines and related. In parallel, simple gestures can greatly improve the quality of sleep. Practice sufficient physical activity during the day. Adopt regular sleeping and lifting schedules. Avoid screens at least an hour before sleeping and favor a calm activity such as reading. Finally, limit the exciting (coffee, tea, alcohol) after 17 or even 16 hours.
