Over a two and a half year period, researchers compared the death rates of more than 10,500 individuals who were taking sleeping pills with those of more than 23,600 others who were not.
They discovered that even those on fewer than 18 doses per year had a 3.5 times greater risk of death.
Those on 132 doses per year had a five times greater risk of death. Not only that, those on this highest dose were also 35% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer.
If you're currently taking sleeping pills, you shouldn't panic or change your dose without speaking to your doctor first.
Bear in mind that this study certainly doesn't prove that sleeping pills are the cause of the higher death rates - there could well be other factors at play.
For more information, check out the two source links below.
Sources: The Guardian & BMJ
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Last updated: July 8, 2013
