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# Hypnotics boost stroke and death risk
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/hypnotics_boost_stroke_risk_0819140613/
- Published: 2014-08-19T07:12:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:27:17.000Z
- Description: A case-control study of 2,779 stroke patients and 27,790 controls linked hypnotics such as zolpidem and estazolam to a 71% higher stroke risk. A separate study tied fewer than 18 hypnotic pills a year to a 260% higher death risk, and more than 132 pills to 430%.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Drug, Health News, #vivvo-import

A new study suggests that use of hypnotics could increase risk of stroke. The case-control study compared 2,779 stroke patients with 27,790 controls and found use of hypnotics such as zolpidem and estazolam associated with 71% increased risk of stroke.

Another study suggests that receiving even less than 18 hypnotic pills per year could increase risk of death by 260%. Those who used more than 132 pills per year were found at 430% increased risk of death.

Hypnotics, a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat insomnia, are used by 6 to 10% of U.S. adults in 2010\. The commonly used hypnotic drugs include zolpidem, temazepam, eszopiclone, zaleplon, other benzodiazepines, barbiturates and sedative antihistamines. (David Liu, PHD)

*Lee CC, Tsai KY, Hung YT, Chou FH, Huang YS. Association of hypnotics with stroke risk: a population-based case-control study. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. Epub 2014 Mar 27.*

*Kripke DF, Langer RD, Kline LE. Hypnotics' association with mortality or cancer: a matched cohort study. BMJ Open. 2012 Feb 27;2(1): Print 2012.*