A new study from researchers at Penn State University and Taipei Medical University reveals troubling evidence that both insomnia and the use of sleep medications are tied to increased risk of disability among older adults. This research highlights a hidden danger for seniors who struggle with sleep and rely on medication to manage it.
The study, published in the journal SLEEP, tracked over 6,700 adults aged 65 and older over a five-year period using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Participants completed yearly questionnaires measuring their ability to perform essential self-care and mobility tasks such as eating, dressing, getting out of bed, and walking outdoors.
Researchers found that each increase in insomnia symptoms or sleep medication use raised the risk of developing a disability by approximately 20% in the following year. Those who both suffered frequent insomnia and regularly used sleep aids were at the highest risk of losing independence.
“As older people used more sleep medication or experienced more insomnia symptoms, they moved more rapidly toward greater disability,” explained Dr. Orfeu Buxton, professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State and co-author of the study.
What Qualifies as Disability in This Study?
Participants were rated on how well they could manage tasks like using the toilet, showering, and walking. A scoring system placed people into three categories: “fully able,” “vulnerable,” or “in need of assistance.” A jump of two points or more on this scale from one year to the next signaled a meaningful decline in ability, and the study found that insomnia and sleep medication use significantly raised the odds of such a decline.
Lead author Dr. Tuo-Yu “Tim” Chen of Taipei Medical University said the data was clear: “If an older adult has prolonged sleep problems and/or sleep-medication use over time, they are very likely to become disabled.”
Why Sleep Medication Can Backfire
While sleep aids are intended to help people rest, they may worsen the situation in the long run. The study suggests that medications often lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination, which in turn raises the risk of falls—one of the most common and dangerous causes of injury in older adults. A fall that breaks a hip or leg can drastically reduce someone’s ability to care for themselves.
According to a prior study by the same team, sleep medications significantly increase fall risk, further reinforcing that these drugs are not without serious consequences.
Why Insomnia Is More Than Just a Sleepless Night
Insomnia is more than just tossing and turning. It has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, mental health issues, and cognitive decline. The American Psychiatric Association warns that poor sleep can cause fatigue, irritability, and concentration problems—symptoms that can spiral into physical and emotional decline if not addressed.
“When people think of aging, they often believe sleep problems are just something to put up with,” said Dr. Soomi Lee, associate professor of human development at Penn State. “But insomnia can deeply affect quality of life. If untreated, it contributes to both short-term discomfort and long-term disability.”
What Can Be Done to Avoid These Consequences?
The research team recommends non-drug treatments as the first line of defense. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective approach that helps people identify and adjust negative patterns in thinking or behavior that interfere with sleep.
Experts also urge older adults to talk to their doctors before turning to medications. “Physicians can review medications and check for drug interactions that may actually be making sleep worse,” Lee said. “They can also help patients find safer alternatives.”
Seniors should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. However, if falling or staying asleep becomes difficult, it’s critical to seek help early—before insomnia turns into a deeper health problem.
The connection between sleep problems and disability is clear. As the population ages, understanding and addressing the risks of insomnia and over-reliance on sleep medication is vital. This study serves as a call to action for older adults, their families, and medical providers to treat sleep issues seriously and carefully—because a good night’s sleep is not just about feeling better the next day. It’s about preserving independence, health, and quality of life for years to come.
