Study: Prescription Sleeping Pills May Cause Cancer, Death

Having trouble catching enough shut-eye? Consider this before reaching for the Ambien: According to a new study published in BMJ Open, the potential risks of popping pills to help you sleep may far outweigh the benefits. Best to stick to counting sheep. –KA

“Healthpop” on CBS News:

Millions of Americans are prescribed sleeping pills to help them get a good night’s rest. But according to a new study, the popular pills may significantly raise the risk of dying – even if they’re not taken often.

The study found people who took 18 sleeping pills or fewer per year had more than 3.5 times higher a risk for death than those who didn’t take any sleeping pills. What’s more, people taking more than 132 sleeping pills per year were at five times higher risk for death and 35 percent higher risk for cancer.

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