A campaign to reduce inappropriate use of health care in Canada is calling for more prudent prescribing of sleep aids among seniors.
Choosing Wisely Canada says about one third of people over age 65 are using sleeping pills, even though the drugs are particularly risky for older adults. What’s more, the pills don’t offer substantially longer or better quality sleep, the group says.
The US Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act encourages patients to act as their own advocates for reducing unnecessary prescriptions that increase the risk of harm.
Timing is everything, so the old saying goes. This is especially true when it comes to traveling. Timing is also very critical when it comes to taking a sleeping pill or medication that makes you drowsy while en route.