Whether it’s a run on cherry juice and magnesium or an office debate over what’s the best sleep gummy, the signs are clear: People are not getting enough shuteye. Periodic bouts of sleepless nights happen. And some users might think social media-marketed mocktails or cannabis-infused gummies help.
But like any prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid, today’s popular remedies (not backed by science) are just Band-Aids, said Stacey L. Simon, PhD, DBSM, associate professor of pulmonary and sleep medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Sleep aids are intended for short-term use.” People whose sleep issues have become chronic should rethink their strategy.
See related story: From Memory Loss to Heart Disease, Stress and Insomnia Can Take a Toll
“When relying on sleep aids long-term, they start to lose their effectiveness, and it’s not treating the underlying problem,” said Simon, who noted that studies now suggest popular cannabis-derived gummies may cause fragmented sleep.
As research continues to link stress and poor sleep with physical and mental health issues, and untreated issues can lead to more serious sleep disorders, it’s important to know when to see a professional to uncover a cause, she said. “Unfortunately, about a third of adults report symptoms of insomnia, so it’s definitely really common.”
Simon, whose research focuses on sleep disorders and circadian rhythms, particularly in understudied women and teen girls, shares more on the issue in the following Q&A.
See more stories in the CU Anschutz Newsroom Sleep Series.