Kendra Smith
February 5, 2009
10:29 P.M.
A recent study shows that use of prescription sleep aids has tripled from 1998 to 2006. Surprisingly the age group that is targeted for using this aid is young adult and college students 18 to 24. With the number of sleep being interrupted by the odd class schedule, college students turn to sleep aids to help them sleep for longer periods. Insomnia is a known condition associated with older adults, but within the pass year young adult have been diagnosed with it. In 1998 599 user per 100,000 rose to 1,524 user per 100,00 in 2006 in young adult usage, but their can be some side affects.
A 51 year old man from Wisconsin was found Frozen to death. He was sleep walking barefoot in his underwear after taking sleep aids.
I am really surprise with the facts that have came from this study. I can under the increase in college students talking sleep aid, being a college student myself. You really don't hear about people taking prescription sleep aids to fall asleep, but taking NoDoz to stay awake. I have learn that people will do anything to make sure that get enough sleep, but it also show that people will do some unhealthy things.
http://www.vision.org/visionmedia/printerfriendly.aspx
4 comments:
I actually have prescription sleep aids and I'm only 22. It runs in my family- we just don't sleep well. My problem is I have so much going on in a days time that when I finally do lay down- my mind is still running through all the things I didn't get done that day or what all I've got to get done the next day. Therefore I just can't seem to relax and get good sleep. I do not take them every night because I do not want to end up with a habit but working full time- being in school full time- helping open a new store- Seems like there is always something to be doing. This study doesn't really surprise me that much.
My friend actually has Insomnia and i know that she has an awful time sleeping at times. She has horrible nightmares that she actually thinks are real. Today's college kids definitely have a lot going on and they have little time to get a good nights sleep in. This article is very typical in todays times. People will do just about anything to help them feel more comfortable.
I had a friend who was prescribed to sleep aids and while she was driving she had a wreck and totaled her car. I don't agree with abusing sleep aids but if you need them to sleep and you have a prescription then there is nothing wrong with them. As long as young teenagers, don't go through their parents medicine cabinet and abuse them, then there is nothing wrong with them.
Maybe if the study could discuss why the adolescent are on prescriptiion sleep aids, I would get a better understanding. Since I am an HDF major, we have talked about insomnia and other sleep conditions that may interfere with their sleep patterns. So it really depends the expalanation.
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