There’s no denying it—Alzheimer’s is one of the most devastating diseases we face today.
With millions affected and no real cure in sight, we’re desperate for solutions. And, as usual, Big Pharma is eager to offer one—in the form of a pill.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis has found that a common sleeping pill, suvorexant, might help reduce the build-up of toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. For some, this sounds like a breakthrough.
But let’s pause for a moment. Should we really be looking to a pill—especially one that already comes with its own risks—as the answer to Alzheimer’s?
Or are we simply feeding into Big Pharma’s relentless quest for profit, while ignoring the real root causes of this disease?
The Study: A Glimpse of Hope?
Researchers found that healthy middle-aged adults who took suvorexant for just two nights experienced a slight reduction in amyloid-beta and tau proteins—the markers that clump together in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
These proteins pile up over time, damaging neurons and contributing to cognitive decline.
Sounds promising, right? Not so fast.
The study was short, involved just 38 people, and didn’t account for any long-term effects.
That’s far from enough to start popping sleeping pills every night in hopes of warding off Alzheimer’s.
And here’s where we need to be cautious. While the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s is well-established, turning to a potentially dangerous drug to fix our sleep problems might not be the best approach.
The Risks of Sleeping Pills
Most sleeping pills are not designed for long-term use, and for good reason. Sure, they may help you fall asleep—but often at the expense of good-quality, restorative sleep.
Sleeping pills, including suvorexant, can sedate you into a lighter sleep, depriving you of the deeper, slow-wave sleep that’s essential for brain health. Worse yet, they come with a laundry list of side effects, from dizziness and memory problems to balance issues and even addiction.
If you’ve ever taken a sleeping pill, you’ve probably experienced that groggy, “hangover” feeling the next day. That’s because these drugs interfere with your natural sleep cycles.
And long-term use? It can lead to dependence, meaning your body needs the pill just to fall asleep.
That’s not to say this research isn’t worth pursuing—it absolutely is. But we should be asking ourselves: Why is Big Pharma so focused on finding a pill for Alzheimer’s, instead of getting to the real cause of this disease?
Big Pharma’s Drug-First Approach
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease, and while amyloid-beta and tau proteins play a role, there’s still so much we don’t know about its underlying causes. Yet, for decades, Big Pharma has been laser-focused on drug solutions to lower amyloid levels—with little success.
Just look at the billions spent on Alzheimer’s drugs that haven’t worked. Meanwhile, lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, exercise, and mental stimulation—all of which can help prevent cognitive decline—get swept under the rug.
Why? Because you can’t patent a good night’s sleep or a healthy diet.
As a proponent of natural health, I firmly believe we need to shift our focus away from pills and toward real prevention strategies.
Yes, sleep is incredibly important when it comes to Alzheimer’s. But instead of reaching for a pill, why not focus on improving your sleep habits naturally?
Natural Sleep Solutions
If we really want to protect our brains from Alzheimer’s, we need to take care of our sleep. Here are some natural ways to improve your sleep habits—without the risks of sleeping pills:
Stick to a Routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Over time, this can improve both the quality and duration of your sleep.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light from phones, tablets, and computers can mess with your sleep. Try turning off your devices at least an hour before bedtime.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual: Whether it’s reading a book, doing some light stretching, or practicing meditation, find something that helps you wind down before bed.
Avoid Stimulants: Caffeine and nicotine can keep you awake long after you’ve consumed them. Try cutting off caffeine by mid-afternoon and avoid smoking or vaping at night.
Get Some Sun: Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which tells your body when it’s time to sleep.
Big Pharma will keep searching for the magic pill that “cures” Alzheimer’s—but don’t wait around for it. The best way to protect yourself is by taking care of your body and brain right now.
And that starts with healthy, restorative sleep.
In case you missed it, here’s what else we’ve been chatting about this week in e-Tips:
- LADIES: Rediscovering Joy Between the Sheets
- How to Safely Harness Nature’s Healing Power
- Your Snooze Button Could Be Your Heart’s Best Friend
- New Discovery Reshapes Diabetes Understanding
- Is Your Dentist the KEY to Better Sleep?
- Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You to Know This Simple BP Fix
Sources:
Watson, C. (2024, September 6). A Common Sleeping Pill May Reduce Buildup of Alzheimer’s Proteins, Study Finds. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/a-common-sleeping-pill-may-reduce-buildup-of-alzheimers-proteins-study-finds
Understanding the Side Effects of Sleeping Pills. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/understanding-the-side-effects-of-sleeping-pills
