Study Reveals Benzodiazepines Worsen sleep Quality in Seniors, Despite Perceived Benefits
MONTREAL – A new study from Quebec reveals that while benzodiazepines are often used to improve sleep, they actually degrade key sleep parameters crucial for memory and cognitive health in older adults. Researchers found a important decrease in deep sleep – vital for memory consolidation – among participants taking these drugs.
The findings, presented by researcher Samuel Barbaux, highlight a concerning trend given the increased risk of consequences like hip fractures associated with poor sleep in this population. “Can be very threatening given the consequences of a hip fracture, such as, in this population,” Barbaux stated.
Data from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) indicates a positive shift, however. From 2012 to 2022, the proportion of Quebecers aged 65 and over using possibly inappropriate drugs decreased from 49.0% to 45.0%, largely due to a drop in benzodiazepine use, which fell from 28.4% to 16.7%.
Despite short-term subjective reports of improved sleep quality, polysomnography revealed a different reality. “We were going to see the objective aspect of the quality of sleep, really the structure of sleep itself,” Barbaux explained, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between patient-reported sleep and objectively measured sleep quality.
The study showed no impact on paradoxical sleep duration, but a marked reduction in deep sleep, especially during the first part of the night. “unluckily, that does not have the effects you woudl like. we are going in the direction of a degradation of certain parameters which are vital, in particular for memory and cognitive health,” Barbaux said.
Alternatives like cognitive behavioral therapy, combined with gradual drug weaning, have demonstrated success in restoring sleep quality. Barbaux acknowledged the need for further research to develop targeted interventions for the older population struggling with insomnia. “The real challenge,” he said, “it will be to find a specific intervention in this population for both touching the subjective component, but also the objective component of sleep.”
