Insomnia Meds and Alzheimer’s

Insomnia Meds and Alzheimer‘s

As a society, we’re so used to taking pills—for infection, anxiety, depression, heart function, blood pressure…and insomnia. But we often forget how powerful these drugs are.As you know, medications can affect the whole body and mind. This goes beyond the symptoms and even beyond immediate side effects.

It’s one thing to find out you’ve been binge-eating or online shopping in the middle of the night—reported with Ambien. It’s another to discover drugs can lead to long-term disease, like Alzheimer’s.

Benzos up chances of getting Alzheimer’s

A recent study examined long-term use of benzodiazepines or benzos—like Ativan, Xanax, Valium,

and Klonopin—prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.

Ways to manage fears

All of this can be frightening. If you’re taking these medications, it might be tempting to stop right away. But it is very important to taper down and slowly wean off these drugs. Stopping too quickly can cause changes in brain function, including suicidal thoughts. Like I said, they’re powerful medicines.Valium was my go-to drug in the throes of anxiety as a young adult. Now I know more about natural ways to relax, and I exercise and eat pretty well—for many reasons, including reducing chances of Alzheimer‘s. However the study made me wonder how much that will help me keep thinking straight.But that’s a road to a life of angst, especially (last I checked) I can’t change the past.

Rather than get caught up in the anxiety over what might happen, here are three helpful ways to deal with this and other concerns about the future:

Do the best you can now That could mean tapering off the drugs if you use them. For other concerns, it might mean stocking up preparatory goods for a power outage.
Give thanks for the blessings you are living This moment here is what you’re afraid of losing. Experiencing gratitude not only brings you in the present, but it’s a powerful emotion that puts other feelings into perspective.
Relax your body, to relax your mind A good way to start is to exhaaaaalllllleeee fully. Then let your inhale naturally arise, filling you with being here right now.