Adults using hypnotics (sleeping pills) to help with sleep have an associated 3 fold increased risk for early death and a 35% increase risk for cancer according to a study published in the British Medical Journal in February of 2012. Drugs studied include Restoril, Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, and some antihistamines such as Benadryl. While this is only an association and not a proven cause, it is worrisome because it could be responsible for 300-500,000 deaths in the US annually.
Using up to 18 pills per year was associated with a 3.6 times increase risk for death. When taking 18-132 pills per year the risk was 4.4 times increased, and for more than 132 pills per year, the risk was 5.3 times more!
Some of this increase could be explained by auto accidents, falls, worsened sleep apnea, and because these people might be overall more ill. It still seems like an incredible increase that is likely caused by the drugs themselves!
