A new study has raised red flags for older adults struggling with sleep problems. Researchers from Penn State College of Health and Human Development and Taipei Medical University have found that frequent insomnia symptoms and increased use of sleep medications are linked to a higher risk of developing disabilities in later life.
The findings, published in the journal Sleep, analysed data from over 6,700 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older using the National Health and Ageing Trends Study (NHATS). Spanning five years (2011 to 2015), the study observed more than 22,000 individual responses to evaluate how sleep affects self-care and mobility.
“For every level of increase in insomnia symptoms, the disability score rose by 0.2 the following year,” the researchers reported. “Similarly, increasing sleep medication use correlated with a 0.19 increase in disability score.”
The Hidden Cost of Sleepless Nights
Lead author Tuo-Yu Chen explained the practical implications: if an older adult increases their use of sleep medication from “never” to “every night” over five years, they are at significant risk of developing functional disabilities—struggles with everyday activities like dressing, eating, or moving around independently.
Co-author Orfeu Buxton added that the progression toward disability was noticeably faster in individuals who either used more sleep medication or suffered more severe insomnia symptoms.
This builds on their previous research, which also found that sleep medication increases fall risk in older adults—possibly contributing to the higher rates of disability now being observed.
A Call for Better Sleep Solutions
Soomi Lee, another co-author of the study, stressed that sleep issues in older adults shouldn’t be brushed off as a normal part of ageing.
“Insomnia is a real problem that reduces quality of life. Yet many older adults think it’s just part of getting old and don’t talk to their doctors about it,” Lee said.
She encouraged older adults to seek medical advice if they experience long-term sleep issues or rely on sleep medications regularly. Lee also recommended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a safe and effective, non-drug treatment for insomnia.
Key Takeaway
This study reinforces the importance of managing sleep health proactively—especially in older age. Insomnia and sleep medication use aren’t just nighttime problems; they can impact mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If you or a loved one are struggling with sleep, it may be time to talk to a doctor and explore safer, long-term solutions.
