Sedative-hypnotic use and its association with osteoporosis and fractures: a national analysis, 1999–2020
Authors' conclusion
Sedative-hypnotic use was associated with higher odds of osteoporosis and fractures, with class-specific and duration-dependent associations. These findings warrant further longitudinal and mechanistic studies to clarify the temporal relationships and underlying mechanisms linking sedative-hypnotic use, osteoporosis, and fractures.
Study context
- Population
- US adults ≥ 20 years with bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis status, prescription data, and complete covariates, NHANES
- Exposure
- Sedative-hypnotic use (benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, barbiturates) and duration, associations with osteoporosis and fractures
- Outcome
- Osteoporosis
Methodological detailseight NHANES cycles (1999-2010, 2013-2014, 2017-2020), multivariable logistic regression, stratified by sedative-hypnotic class
- Eight NHANES cycles (1999-2010, 2013-2014, 2017-2020)
- Multivariable logistic regression
- Stratified by sedative-hypnotic class
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Odds ratio (95% CI)
Barbiturates
2.57(1.09–6.07)
Z-drugs
1.93(1.44–2.59)
Benzodiazepines
1.36(1.12–1.63)
- Osteoporosis odds increase per year of use
- 3%
- Relative increase over 10 years
- 21.9%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Fractures
| OR (95% CI) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Z-drugs | 1.89 (1.11–3.19) | |
| Benzodiazepines | 1.53 (1.11–2.12) | |
| 0.20.5125Odds ratio (log scale) |
- Fractures — Relative increase in fracture probability over 10 years
- 30%
Original publication
Sedative-hypnotic use and its association with osteoporosis and fractures: a national analysis, 1999–2020. Osteoporos Int. Published 6 November 2026. doi:10.
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