Popular Sleep Aid Linked to Brain Harm, Experts Warn
PARIS – A widely used sleep medication is under scrutiny after research revealed potential detrimental effects on brain function, impacting the nine million French people who regularly use it. While offering short-term relief, prolonged use of these drugs-often sought by those struggling with insomnia-can paradoxically worsen sleep quality and carries the risk of ”rebound insomnia” upon cessation.
The medications, typically prescribed for up to three weeks under French guidelines, interfere with the brain’s natural sleep mechanisms. Scientists caution against abruptly stopping treatment, emphasizing the need for a doctor-supervised, gradual reduction in dosage. The concern stems from the medication’s impact on the body’s internal clock and potential to create a dependency,ultimately exacerbating the very problem it aims to solve.
Experts highlight that regaining healthy sleep patterns doesn’t necessarily require pharmaceutical intervention. Simple lifestyle adjustments-including regular physical activity, consistent sleep schedules, and eliminating screen time before bed-can effectively regulate the body’s natural rhythm.Avoiding stimulants like coffee,tea,and alcohol in the late afternoon is also crucial. These non-pharmacological approaches offer a lasting path to restorative sleep, safeguarding brain health and avoiding the potential pitfalls of medication.
