It can often be quite difficult to get a good night’s rest. Maybe you had a stressful day that is affecting your ability to sleep, or you are a particularly light sleeper. There are a number of reasons that people often turn to using sleep medications to help them get better rest. However, a group of researchers from Taipei Medical University and Penn State University has recently discovered some concerning connections. They found that people who suffered from persistent insomnia and used sleep medications were more likely to develop disabilities later in life.
The Disability Risks of Insomnia and Sleep Medications
According to the study, regular insomnia could accelerate your rate of aging due to a gradual reduction in mobility and loss of independence. Therefore, something as simple as interrupted sleep can have long-term implications for your body’s coordination, strength, and ability to function normally. The study examined the data of more than 6,700 adults from America aged 65 and older. They found a link between the number of times a person reported issues sleeping or used sleep medications and the likelihood of developing disabilities.