
Study Reveals the Dark Side of Sleep Meds
I’m sure you know by now that quality sleep is crucial for good health.
Poor sleep, on the other hand, is linked to all kinds of health hazards, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety.
It’s the primary reason people opt to take sleep medications.
But what if the pills you’re taking to help you sleep are actually setting you up for a nightmare down the road?
A shocking new study reveals that the “harmless” sleeping pills taken by millions could be paving the way to disability later in life.
And if you’re over 50, you’ll want to pay close attention to this discovery…
A groundbreaking study in the journal Sleep uncovered a disturbing link between sleep medications and future disability.
For every year a person experiences increasing insomnia, their risk of disability jumps by 20 percent.
And here’s the kicker: a similar level of risk was associated with increased usage of sleep medications.
We’re not talking about minor inconveniences here. The disabilities identified in the study included trouble with essential self-care activities like dressing, eating, toileting, and showering—basic activities most of us take for granted.
Even worse, many over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications don’t even work. They might knock you out for a few extra minutes, but they’re not giving you the restorative quality rest that your body needs.
And that’s not all.
According to a previous study by the same research team, sleep medications make falls more likely for older adults. So not only might these pills be setting you up for long-term disability, but they could also increase your risk of a serious fall in the short term.
It’s a double whammy that the drug companies aren’t exactly advertising in their glossy ads.
So, what’s an insomniac to do? Instead of reaching for that pill bottle, consider these safer approaches to improving your sleep:
- Create a consistent sleep schedule—going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary—cool, dark, and quiet.
- Limit screen time before bed. Phones and tablets emit blue light that interfere with your body’s melatonin production.
- Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching before bedtime.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, especially in the afternoon and evening.
- Get regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime.
- Consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which is more effective than medications for long-term sleep improvement.
Sleeping pills might seem like a quick fix, but the long-term costs to your health and independence could be steep. And unlike the fine print that scrolls by at lightning speed during drug ads, this is a warning worth paying attention to.
P.S. What is a healthy night’s sleep? Three critical criteria.
Source:
Tuo-Yu Chen, Soomi Lee, Orfeu M Buxton, Late-life disability may increase with more frequent insomnia symptoms and sleep medications use over time, Sleep, 2025; zsaf098

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...