[Medical Q&A] Can sleeping pills be taken for a long time?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Fan Dongsheng, Chief Physician, Peking University Third Hospital

Sleeping pills are generally not recommended for long-term use, especially in elderly patients, and are recommended to be taken for no more than 3 to 4 weeks. The specific reasons are as follows.

First, long-term use of sleeping pills may worsen physical function. Sleeping pills can affect muscle contraction and glandular secretion, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction, constipation, dry mouth and other symptoms. Some sleeping pills have respiratory depressant effects, and people with respiratory diseases may have certain risks when using such sleeping pills. In addition, sleeping pills can affect liver and kidney function.

Second, long-term use of sleeping pills may increase the risk of falls and fractures. Sleeping pills can damage nerve function and muscle strength that are essential for maintaining body balance. In addition, some people experience dizziness and ataxia after taking sleeping pills, which increases the risk of falls.

Third, long-term use of sleeping pills may disrupt sleep rhythms, causing patients to feel sleepy and weak during the day.

Fourth, long-term use of sleeping pills may increase the incidence of cognitive impairment. Some studies have suggested that patients with long-term insomnia should be cautious in prescribing sleeping pills, especially those aged 50 to 65. In addition, the smaller the dose of sleeping pills, the better, and the shorter the half-life, the better.

Fifth, long-term use of sleeping pills may increase the risk of physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms, etc.).

In summary, it is not recommended for insomnia patients to take sleeping pills for a long time. If long-term insomnia occurs, it is recommended to find alternatives under the guidance of a doctor, such as behavioral therapy, developing scientific sleep hygiene habits, or using alternative drugs to sleeping pills, which can effectively avoid the long-term use of sleeping pills while maintaining good sleep quality.