Show 878: Solving the Sleep Dilemma

Most of us are familiar with a number of prescription sleeping pills such as Ambien, Lunesta or Sonata. The unpleasantness of tossing and turning night after night explains why so many people rely on these medications to get to sleep. But research suggests that the long-term side effects of such drugs could be serious, even deadly.

What Are the Hazards of Sleeping Pills?

Learn about the research linking prescription sleep aids to premature death. If sleeping pills are risky and sleep deprivation is also dangerous for our health, what can we do to get a good night’s sleep? Our guests offer practical suggestions.

This Week's Guests:

Lawrence Kline, DO, is medical director of the Viterbi Family Sleep Center at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California. His article was published in BMJ Open on Feb. 27, 2012. The photo is of Dr. Kline.

Matthew Edlund, MD, is an expert on rest, sleep, performance and public health, and the author of The Power of Rest, The Body Clock Advantage, and Designed to Last. His previous articles can be found at therestdoctor.com and wegethealthynow.com. He is the Director of the Gulf Coast Sleep Institute Center for Circadian Medicine, Sarasota, Florida.