You probably saw the headlines out of California as they sent a jolt through the sleep world as well as social media: Do common sleep medications increase your risk of dementia? In this episode we will:Review what the UCSF study actually found — and what the headlines got wrongDetermine which medications are most often implicated (benzodiazepines vs Z-drugs vs trazodone)Take a deep dive into the three best studies on sleeping pills and dementia riskFind out why some large studies do show a connection… and others don’tLearn the real risks you should take seriously — even if dementia isn’t one of themThink about how doctors should actually practice prescribing sleep meds in older adultsProduced by: Maeve WinterMore Twitter: @drchriswinter IG: @drchriwinter Threads: @drchriswinter Bluesky: @drchriswinter The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child Thanks for listening and sleep well!