Do Sleeping Pills Affect Brain Health? What Science Really Says

From time to time, scientific claims make headlines that sound dramatic and alarming. One such claim is that sleeping pills interfere with the brain’s natural "cleaning" process that occurs during sleep and is considered essential for brain health and function. Is this actually true? Dr. Amit Green, a sleep medicine expert and psychologist at Assuta Medical Centers, seeks to set the record straight.

“The claim that sleeping pills impair the brain’s ability to cleanse itself is well-known, but is a common misconception,” explains Dr. Green. According to him, sleep is a complex and critical process, without which key functions such as attention, concentration, memory, mood, and even learning cannot be maintained. What happens when someone suffers from severe insomnia and is unable to get sufficient or quality sleep?

Dr. Green explains, “The choice isn’t between sleeping well and sleeping with medication. The real question is whether to not sleep at all, sleep poorly, or sleep with the aid of sleeping pills. In such cases, the preferred option is to sleep — even with medication.”

Chronic insomnia is not just a frustrating experience, but a serious medical issue. Ongoing sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions, and significantly reduce quality of life. In such cases, Dr. Green believes that the judicious use of sleeping pills under medical supervision can be a valuable and effective solution.

Sleeping pills are a form of medication and, like all medications, can come with side effects. Dr. Green therefore emphasizes the importance of medical supervision. “Sleeping pills should never be taken without guidance from a doctor, to ensure the treatment is both effective and free of unnecessary side effects.” Medical oversight allows for tailoring the treatment to the patient’s individual needs and managing risks responsibly.

It’s important to note that sleeping pills should not be the first line of treatment for insomnia. Dr. Green recommends beginning with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia. This treatment focuses on identifying the thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep and building habits and routines that help the patient fall asleep and stay asleep. CBT is considered one of the most effective methods for managing sleep issues.

“In cases where behavioral therapy doesn’t fully resolve the problem, and the patient is faced with a choice between poor sleep or no sleep at all, it is better to use sleeping pills,” says Dr. Green. He stresses that the impact of severe sleep deprivation may be more harmful than the potential risks associated with sleep medications.

During sleep, the brain performs important waste-removal functions through what’s known as the “glymphatic system.” Some have claimed that sleeping pills may disrupt this process, but Dr. Green disagrees. “There is no conclusive evidence that sleeping pill use significantly interferes with the glymphatic process. In fact, when someone suffers from severe sleep loss, the harm caused by insufficient sleep is far greater than any theoretical effect of the pills.”

Like any medical treatment, sleeping pills come with pros and cons. On the one hand, they can help achieve better sleep in situations where falling or staying asleep is difficult. On the other hand, possible side effects may include daytime drowsiness, mood changes, or dependency.

“This is exactly where the role of a qualified physician is crucial — someone who can weigh the benefits and drawbacks and offer the best possible solution for the patient,” Dr. Green concludes.