Many people have trouble sleeping, especially as they get older. When that happens, doctors may suggest using sleeping pills to help. But there’s a growing concern: Can these pills raise your risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease?

This article explains what sleeping pills are, how they affect the brain, and what scientists have found in their research. If you or a loved one is worried about dementia and currently taking sleeping pills, this article is for you.

What Are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills are medicines that help people fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer. Some can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription. Others are stronger and must be prescribed by a doctor. Common types include:

• Benzodiazepines (like temazepam or lorazepam)
• Nonbenzodiazepines (sometimes called Z-hypnotics)
• Over-the-counter antihistamines (like diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl)
• Melatonin supplements

These pills work by changing how your brain works — usually by making it calmer or slowing things down so you feel sleepy.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is not one single disease. It’s a group of brain problems that make it hard for a person to remember, think, or even make simple decisions. The most well-known kind of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. People with dementia may:

• Forget people’s names or dates
• Get lost or confused in familiar places
• Struggle to follow conversations
• Have mood swings or act differently than usual

Dementia mostly affects older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Some people may live for a long time with no memory problems at all. That’s why scientists are working hard to understand what raises someone’s risk for dementia.

Are Sleeping Pills Connected to Dementia?

Some studies suggest that people who take sleeping pills regularly, especially for months or years, may have a higher chance of developing dementia. But the science is still developing.

What Researchers Have Found

In a large study, researchers found that poor sleep itself is linked to a higher chance of dementia. This means getting good sleep is really important for brain health. But the big question is: Are sleeping pills helping or making the problem worse?

One study found that people who often took benzodiazepines were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia, especially if they used them over a long time. To support safer care, a 2023 study developed a tool for nurses to improve sleep quality in people with dementia who were already using sleeping pills. This approach focused on helping caregivers manage medications more thoughtfully and improve daily care routines to support better sleep.

So, sleeping pills may be helpful for the short-term, but they’re not the best choice for long-term brain health.

What About Ambien?

One of the most common sleeping pills is Ambien, a brand name for zolpidem. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called “Z-drugs.” These medications were designed to help people fall asleep without the same risks as older drugs like benzodiazepines.

For a while, doctors believed zolpidem was safer for your brain. But more recent research has raised concerns. Studies show that long-term use of zolpidem may still increase the risk of memory problems and confusion, especially in older adults.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also warned that zolpidem can cause sleepwalking, memory issues, and even behaviors like driving or eating while not fully awake. These side effects suggest that the drug affects brain function in complex ways.

What About Lunesta?

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is another popular Z-drug that works similarly to zolpidem. It helps people fall asleep quickly and stay asleep longer. Like zolpidem, eszopiclone was created to be a safer alternative to older sleep medications.

But eszopiclone is not without risks. While fewer studies have been done on eszopiclone specifically, it shares the same brain targets as zolpidem — and many of the same side effects. These include:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Problems with memory or focus
• Risk of dependency if used long-term
• Unusual behavior while asleep, like sleepwalking or talking

Even though there’s less data on eszopiclone’s direct link to dementia, experts still warn it should be used only for short periods, especially for older adults.

Because eszopiclone and other Z-drugs alter how certain brain chemicals work, some scientists believe that long-term use might lead to brain changes that may affect cognition, especially when combined with other medications or aging.

In fact, doctors recommend avoiding Z-drugs like zolpidem and eszopiclone in adults over age 65 unless there are no other options. This is based on national guidelines known as Beers Criteria, which lists medications that may be risky for older people.

Why Might Sleeping Pills Be a Problem for the Brain?

There are several reasons doctors think sleeping pills may be connected to memory problems.

Changed Brain Chemistry

Sleep drugs affect brain chemicals, especially GABA, a chemical important for sleep, mood, and other functions. If those chemicals are changed too often, the brain might stop working the way it’s supposed to.

Hidden Dementia Symptoms

People may start using sleep aids for memory issues, anxiety, or confusion — which could all be early signs of dementia.

Sleep Disturbance

You might sleep longer, but not better. Deep sleep is when your brain repairs itself, and some sleeping pills don’t support that kind of rest.

Fall Risk

If you wake up dizzy or confused, you’re more likely to fall. Head injuries can increase the risk of dementia, especially in older people.

What Can You Do Instead?

Some doctors suggest trying changes to sleep habits before trying medications. Here are some helpful tips:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Keep your room quiet, cool, and dark.
• Avoid screens (like phones and TVs) at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Don’t eat large meals or drink caffeine at night.
• Get fresh air and light exercise during the day.

These habits are called sleep hygiene, and they can really improve how well you sleep — and how sharp your brain stays.

Should You Stop Taking Sleeping Pills?

Never stop sleeping pills suddenly without your doctor’s help. Quitting too fast can cause withdrawal, anxiety, or worse sleep.

If you’re concerned about dementia and you’re using zolpidem, eszopiclone, or another sleep aid, talk to your doctor. They can help you slowly reduce your dose and find safer ways to help you rest.

What Can Help Lower Your Dementia Risk?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, these healthy habits may help:

• Stay physically active.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Keep your brain busy by reading, learning, or doing puzzles.
• Get enough good sleep.
• Stay social and connected to others.
• Keep medical conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, under control.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s disease.

Have you heard about sleeping pills causing dementia? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.