Urgent Study Reveals Benzodiazepines Harm Seniors’ Sleep Quality

UPDATE: A groundbreaking study from Concordia University reveals that benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, significantly impair sleep quality in older adults. This urgent finding highlights serious health risks, including increased chances of falls and cognitive decline among seniors.

Researchers, led by Thanh Dang-Vu and Loïc Barbaux, analyzed data from 101 older adults and discovered that long-term use of benzodiazepines does not enhance sleep, but rather deteriorates it. This critical study, published in the medical journal Sleep, raises alarms as these drugs are widely used in Quebec and beyond.

Benzodiazepines, which include well-known medications like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan, disrupt essential brain rhythms that are vital for memory consolidation in individuals aged 55 to 80. According to Barbaux, “The American Geriatrics Society strongly advises against their use after age 65 due to increased adverse effects.”

The study distinguishes between subjective sleep quality—what patients report—and objective sleep quality, which the researchers measured through overnight polysomnography. They found no improvement in sleep duration or REM sleep, but a troubling decrease in deep sleep—critical for memory function.

Barbaux emphasized, “Unfortunately, we are seeing a deterioration in sleep quality parameters that are crucial for cognitive health.” This means that older adults turning to these medications for relief might actually be worsening their sleep conditions.

The study also highlights the addictive potential of benzodiazepines, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including tremors and further risks of falls. “In older populations, this can be very dangerous, especially with consequences like hip fractures,” Barbaux warned.

Fortunately, there is a positive trend: data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) shows a decrease in the use of potentially inappropriate medications among those aged 65 and over, dropping from 49% to 45% between 2012 and 2022. Notably, benzodiazepine use fell from 28.4% to 16.7% in this time frame.

Barbaux suggests alternatives to benzodiazepines, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to restore sleep quality when combined with the withdrawal of these drugs. “The real challenge will be to find specific interventions for this population that address both subjective and objective components of sleep,” he stated.

This urgent study calls for immediate attention to the prescription practices for older adults, as continuing to rely on benzodiazepines poses significant health threats. Experts urge health care providers to reconsider treatment options for seniors struggling with sleep issues.

As this critical research unfolds, seniors and their caregivers must remain vigilant about the medications they use. For now, the message is clear: benzodiazepines may not be the solution they appear to be.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.