Many people occasionally experience a restless night and might take a sleeping aid to fall asleep, but according to a study published in February by the British Medical Journey, repeated use raises the chance of death.
One study is not enough evidence to make it certain though, said Dr. Alexander Villareal, a sleep specialist at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
"There's always a chance of a mistake or a coincidence," he said. "For us to say this is absolutely definite, we would need to show similar studies."
Dr. Alexander Villareal, sleep medicine specialist at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, explains to a patient the advantages of completing a sleep diary, in the sleep center exam room.
The study tracked people for an average of 2 1/2 years between 2002 and 2007.
"What this study found, surprisingly, is patients who received prescription hypnotics had a higher risk of dying than those who didn't," Villareal said.
Insomnia is a very common health problem, with about 10 percent of the population affected, he said. It is defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early.
"It happens despite having the chance or opportunity to do so," Villareal said.
A single parent with two full-time jobs and children would be sleep deprived. With day care and a vacation, the parent could sleep well. Insomnia would be a person tossing in bed all night without being able to fall asleep.
Insomnia could cause daytime impairment, moodiness, trouble concentrating and fatigue, he said.
For insomnia to be considered chronic, it has to happen most nights for a month or longer.
Several factors that could contribute to chronic insomnia could be family members with it or a personal history of depression, mood disorders or substance abuse.
Common reasons for temporary insomnia could be a large upcoming event, such as a wedding or an important test.
Six to 10 percent of the nation takes some sort of sleeping aid or pill, whether for temporary or permanent reasons.
Taking less than 18 tablets a year did not increase the risk significantly, Villareal said.
To make the findings more certain, Villareal said there needs to be another study with randomized control to judge the reactions of people who take a placebo versus a sleeping aid.
If not taken correctly, prescriptions can give patients problems.
"They can increase the risk for having memory problems," Villareal said. "There's a higher risk of accidents driving. A lot of these medicines have a risk for addiction. It's important to take only as prescribed by a physician and never combine with other medicine or alcohol."
With the knowledge of the study, he said he wants his patients to know what could happen by taking the prescription medicine.
"I do prescribe sleeping aids," Villareal said. "I do see several patients who suffer insomnia. I do treat patients without medicines if they want."
Patients who want treatment without medicine can investigate psychological and behavioral techniques, he said.
Changing habits around bedtime could help. Known as healthy sleeping habits, or sleep hygiene, these changes can have a significant effect on patients.
"Some of these recommendations are getting up and going to bed at a regular time, making sure they don't drink alcohol or caffeine close to bedtime, moderate exercise in the morning or afternoon but not close to bedtime, don't go to bed too hungry or too full," Villareal said.
Psychological treatment could include trying to change the thought process of the patient.
"It's not one size fits all," Villareal said. "It's a personal assessment."