Relief Versus Risk
The findings of the study are cause for concern given the regular use of sleep medications among older adults. As with many medications, it’s a case of weighing up the relief offered versus the potential risks associated with their use. Seniors often turn to benzodiazepines or other sedatives that can result in delayed reaction time, dizziness, and impaired balance. Considering that older adults are already susceptible to injuries and falls, using these medications might only exacerbate the problems.