Cheap and widely available, benzodiazepines and related drugs are commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. But a new study led by Concordia University researchers shows that use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists can affect brain rhythms during sleep that are important for memory and cognitive health in adults aged between 55 and 80. According to the authors, Dr. Loic Barbaux (lead author-right in the photo) and Prof. Thanh Dang-Vu (left in photo): In addition to not being very safe, these drugs also make sleep quality worse in ways that may be detrimental to brain health.’
https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatments/pharmaceuticals/prescription-drugs/common-insomnia-treatment-makes-sleep-quality-worse-benzodiazepines/
Their publication, “Effect of chronic benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine receptor agonist use on sleep architecture and brain oscillations in older adults with chronic insomnia” can be read here.