Insomnia, Medication, and Disability Risk in Older Adults

Source article: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250417/Study-links-insomnia-and-sleep-medication-to-increased-disability-risk-in-older-adults.aspx

According to a new study from Penn State and Taipei Medical University, both increased insomnia symptoms and greater sleep medication use in older adults were linked to a higher risk of becoming disabled in daily activities a year later. 

Specifically, the research found that for every incremental increase in insomnia symptoms or sleep medication usage experienced annually, an older person's risk of future disability increased by 20%. 

The study, which analyzed data from a large sample of U.S. adults over 65, suggests that safely and effectively managing insomnia is important to potentially mitigate this risk, and points to treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy as a possible alternative to medication. 

The researchers emphasize that older adults should discuss any sleep issues with their doctors to explore appropriate and safer management strategies.