The Popular Myth About the Harm of Sleeping Pills Has Been Dispelled 0 11

Sleeping pills used for insomnia do not always worsen breathing in people with obstructive sleep apnea, as previously thought. This conclusion was reached by researchers who analyzed data from clinical trials. The results of the study were published in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (PCN).

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder in which there is a temporary blockage of the airways during sleep, leading to a drop in oxygen levels and frequent awakenings. Many patients simultaneously experience symptoms of insomnia—a condition known as COMISA. Due to the risk of worsening breathing, doctors have long been cautious about prescribing sleeping pills to such patients.

In the new analysis, scientists compared 12 different medications based on data from 32 randomized clinical trials. They assessed the impact of the drugs on sleep structure, respiratory indicators, and the tolerability of therapy. In most cases, the medications did not lead to a noticeable deterioration in key respiratory indicators, including the apnea-hypopnea index.

However, the study showed that some medications may act differently. For example, the drug temazepam was associated with a decrease in oxygen levels during sleep. According to the authors of the study, the results highlight the need for individualized therapy: the choice of medication should depend on the specific symptoms of insomnia and the patient's respiratory condition.