Many older adults use sedative-hypnotics like zolpidem or older medications like diazepam. These pills slow the entire nervous system, including heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the body’s ability to respond to stress or oxygen demands during sleep.
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These medications can cause sleep apnea or worsen existing apnea, putting enormous strain on the heart and potentially leading to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. They can also interfere with essential heart medications, such as beta-blockers.
