A news report came out last week on a class of drugs called hypnotics that includes Ambien and Lunesta, to a much higher risk of cancer and dying prematurely. Even using these drugs occasionally appears dangerous. The doctor who conducted the study Dr. Daniel F. Kripke has concluded that taking them is not worth the risk.
Perhaps this is an over reach. The study was not a peer reviewed. The statistics imply a causal relationship, but many other health factors may be involved.
For insomniacs, there are tips for better sleep habits. If it was just a matter of some following a routine, I’m sure there wouldn’t be so many people taking sleeping pills. One avenue to explore is understanding the body’s natural clock, the circadian rhythm. I highly recommend Jeremy Campbell’s “Winston Churchill’s Afternoon Nap” which gives many insights into how our biological clocks work.
Impact on Life Insurance Underwriting
In itself taking a sleeping pills for insomnia would not affect life insurance rates. One still could qualify to preferred and preferred best rate. Underwriters will be looking to see if the underlying cause of taking the sleep aid is anxiety or depression. That would be determined on a case by case basis by reviewing the applicant’s medical records.