Determinants of Sleep Medication Use among Participants in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set

Sufficient sleep is critical for health in older adults, but prescription sleep aids are associated with numerous health risks (e.g., cognitive impairment and falls). We examine usage prevalence of two medication categories—sedative hypnotics (SH) and medications commonly used for insomnia (MCUFI)—among adults aged 45+ in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center data set. Analyzing the visits conducted between September 2005 and June 2018, we determine the factors associated with SH and MCUFI use, including sociodemographic, health, independence, and cognitive statuses. Usage rates were 9% for MCUFI (N = 3,279) and 4% for SH (N = 1,382). Multivariable logistic regression identified White race, higher education, younger age, depression, and sedative polypharmacy as factors associated with prescription sleep aid use. We conclude that sleep medication usage rates among older adults, higher likelihood of sedative medication polypharmacy, and higher likelihood of MCUFI use among adults with cognitive impairment are findings of concern and may warrant clinical intervention.