Spotlight on OTC Sleep Aids and Sleep Health in Older Adults

Supported by Sleep: An Essential Component of Health Sleep, like nutrition and exercise, is a key determinant of health and well-being . Sleep is a basic human requirement that affects endocrine, metabolic, neurological, and cognitive functions that are critical to health . Many adults find that they have difficulty sleeping a healthy amount . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of U .S . adults report insufficient sleep or rest at least 15 out of every 30 days . Despite myriad reasons for inadequate sleep, many adults who report disturbed sleep suffer from insomnia— unsatisfactory sleep that affects daytime functioning in an individual who has adequate opportunity to sleep . Patients with insomnia may experience either difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep . Among those who experience disturbed sleep, an estimated 50 million to 70 million Americans have chronic insomnia, a sleep disruption occurring at least 3 times a week and lasting for more than 1 month . In addition to hindering daily functioning, chronic insomnia has been associated with a wide range of harmful health effects, including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, stroke, and pain . The physiologic sequelae of sleep loss and sleep disorders not only affect individual health but also have a significant economic impact . Billions of dollars a year are spent on direct medical costs associated with doctor visits, hospital services, prescriptions, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for treating disturbed sleep . Compared with other individuals, those with chronic sleep loss or sleep disorders are less productive, have greater health care needs, and have an increased likelihood of injury . The impact of disturbed sleep on health and well-being is under-recognized, and chronic insomnia is underdiagnosed and undertreated . Barriers to appropriate recognition and treatment of insomnia include inadequate physician training, lack of time devoted to discussing sleep during office visits, beliefs that sleep complaints are not appropriate, and concerns about risks of treatments for insomnia . Solutions are needed to address unmet needs through education, awareness, and advocacy . A number of strategies are used in the treatment of insomnia, including both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches . Nonpharmacologic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, and exercise . These interventions have been found to