Prescription Sedative-Hypnotics Are Associated With a 5-fold Suicide Risk

A recent 2026 study examined the pattern of sedative-hypnotic prescriptions associated with the risk of suicidal behavior among older adults with and without insomnia. The study included 8319 suicide cases and age- and sex-matched controls. The study assessed the risk of sedative-hypnotic use on suicide.

The study found that prescription sedative-hypnotics were associated with 5-fold suicide risk among adults with and without insomnia, and that the most common type of suicide was by overdose of sedative-hypnotics.

Among older adults, sedative-hypnotic prescription is associated with increased suicide risk and suicide by self-poisoning using such medications. The researchers concluded that non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, is essential for suicide prevention.