“Many physicians assume that when an older patient has insomnia, and is given a hypnotic drug to help induce sleep, the drug will make the patient likely to fall and develop a hip fracture,” says Avidan. “But our findings suggest that people whose insomnia is effectively treated are less likely to fall than untreated insomniacs.”

I suggest giving a trial period when you take a pill like ambien. You definitely don’t want to try it the night before you go on a trip. Having someone, either a spouse, significant other or friend to be there with you so they can look out for any possible side effects that may occur, especially in light of the recent news.

The FDA acknowledges those side affects are quite rare. So what alternatives are available if you don’t want to turn to prescriptions?