There is a study which places the risk of death from sleeping pills at four and half times higher than non-sleeping pill users.

Higher risk of cancers were found in those who were prescribed and used sleeping pills.

Currently 1 in 10 Americans are prescribed sleeping medication and the death rate could be lowered drastically.

The sleeping pills in question are known as hypnotics. They include newer drugs such as zolpidem (the best known brand name is Ambien) as well as older drugs such as temazepam (the best known brand name is Restoril).

Hypnotic sleeping pills actually cause a person to fall asleep. This sets them apart from other sleeping aids, such as the supplement melatonin, which promote sleep through relaxation. Other sleep drugs described as hypnotics by Kripke and colleagues include eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), triazolam (Halcion), flurazepam (Dalmane), barbiturates, and older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.

Using a pill is not the best way to beat insomnia.

Keeping a regular sleep schedule, eating well and exercise go a long way to ensure a good night’s sleep.