SLEEPING PILL USE TRIPLES IN YOUNG ADULTS

Use of prescription sleep aids nearly tripled among young adults between 1998 and 2006, according to a study.

"Insomnia, a condition traditionally associated with older adults, appears to be causing larger numbers of young adults to turn to prescription sleep aids, and to depend on them for longer periods of time," said William Marder, senior vice president and general manager for the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters, parent company of Reuters News.

A study of medical and drug claims data found a 50% increase in use of the drugs among all adults under 45, who also appear to be using the drugs for a longer period of time to help them fall asleep.

During the study period, the average length of time sleep aids were used by adults under 45 jumped by more than 40% - rising to 93 days in 2006 from 64 days in 1998.

But perhaps the most startling finding was the increase in use of sleep aids among college-age adults 18 to 24.

Use in this age group rose to 1,524 users per 100,000 in 2006, up from 599 users per 100,000 in 1998.

"I find it very worrisome that young people who should have a very strong and healthy sleep system are now finding they are turning to medication to help them get to sleep," Donna Arand, a sleep specialist at Kettering Hospital Sleep Disorder Center in Dayton, Ohio, said in a telephone interview.

Arand said she has seen a number of students seeking sleep aids because their normal sleep patterns have been disrupted in college, and she fears these adults may have trouble adjusting to a normal sleep pattern as their schedules normalize.

RARE SIDE EFFECT

Two-thirds of those in this study population were taking non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.
These newer sleep aids generally have fewer side effects, but in rare cases they can cause sleep walking.

In general, sleep walking is a rare side effect of the drug and these drugs should not be taken by people with a history of sleep walking, nor should they be taken with alcohol.

Click Here To Read More At Reuters…

Super Healthy Tip…

Good sleep is a good habit. But when the bad habit of bad sleep sets in people will resort to just about anything in search of a good night’s sleep. Here are some tips for how to get yourself in the mood for a restful snooze:

• Melatonin - take melatonin an hour or two before going to bed – you can get as a homeopathic type mix or as a tablet
• 5-HTP – 5 Hydroxytryptophan – take on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before going to bed
• Binaural Beat Meditation CDs ( check out this link ) these are high-tech meditation CDs that you listen in stereo headphones that draw your brain into deeper states of relaxation
• Don’t watch TV or use computer for at least 30 minutes before going to bed – instead listen to some relaxing quiet music or do some meditation if you know how
• Exercise after work before eating – aerobic preferably
• Don’t eat at least 90 minutes before going to bed
• No sugars or simple carbs with dinner – ie no fruit, chocs, fizzy drinks – best evening meal is protein and veggies (but no potato, pasta or rice – these are better for lunch)
• Try not to have any caffeine drinks past 4pm (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
• Regular gentle Chiropractic Adjustments can be very effective to reduce any tension and stored stress in your nervous system
• Auriculotherapy which is like an ultra-modern form of Ear Acupuncture (no needles) is another treatment which is fantastic to reduce mental tension