From Canada.com — Public angst over the abuse of painkillers is overshadowing what Canadian researchers say is an even more pressing problem: the nation’s growing love affair with sleeping pills (also known as “hypnotics”).

The number of prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepines (a group of sedative and relaxant drugs) and other sedatives, jumped to more than 20 million in 2011, from 16.4 million in 2006, according to market research firm IMS Brogan.

Use of one drug alone — zopiclone, one of the so-called “Z” drugs — nearly doubled over the same period, from 2.9 million prescriptions, to five million in 2011.

Prescriptions are mounting as new and controversial research from Canada and the U.S. is tying sleeping pills to an elevated risk of an early death.  (A note from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: The British Medical Journal reported the results of a study in the U.S. that found receiving hypnotic prescriptions was associated with greater than a three-times increase in hazards of death, even when prescribed  at less than 18 pills/year.)

The drugs are intended for occasional, short-term use only, but observers say it’s not uncommon for doctors to hand over prescriptions for a month’s supply, with six or 12 repeats, increasing the risk of dependence and, in the case of benzodiazepines, a potentially “horrendous” withdrawal.

“People who start these drugs need to know that you could end up in a long-term medical adventure,” said Canadian drug policy researcher Alan Cassels.

Comment from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II is used successfully by many people all over the world, including Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.

Sleep Minerals II is a potent natural alternative to sleeping drugs.  It contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium and magnesium, along with Vitamin D and zinc. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

Catherine S. of Ottawa Canada says: “I seem to have a better sense of well being with the Sleep Minerals. I like the supplements and will continue taking them.”

Alex R. of Ramseur, North Carolina says: “Sleep Minerals II has been a blessing for me.  It has given me the opportunity to withdraw from a highly addictive sleep medication over time, and has allowed me to sleep while going through this most difficult ordeal.  What’s great about it is it doesn’t lose its effectiveness, which is something that happens with sleep medications.  I am most thankful for this product.” 

For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit here.

Article Source:  www.Canada.com  http://www.canada.com/health/sleep+Canada+dangerous+love+affair+with+tranquillizers/6924323/story.html