Question: I have been on different sleep medications since 2007. I have tried to stop using them, but I always end up going sleepless. I never worried too much about it until I read about the new study showing that sleeping pills are linked to higher death rates. My doctor says I shouldn’t worry. Do you agree?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
A study did suggest that sleeping pills was linked to increased deaths. However, until a more scientifically designed clinical trial is undertaken, an association between sleeping pills and more deaths does not prove the pills are the cause. Have you been able to determine the cause for your insomnia? Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or chronic pain can cause insomnia. Treatment for an underlying condition may be necessary for insomnia to get better. Depression is another cause that may improve with medications such as antidepressants or psychological counseling. In order to determine the cause and best treatment for insomnia, you may need to see a sleep specialist. Are you using over-the-counter sleep aids? They rarely offer significant help for this problem. Your doctor may prescribe medication and have you try some other strategies to get your sleep pattern back on track.