Taking sedatives to aid sleep may do the elderly more harm than good, researchers have concluded. Up to a third of elderly people are prescribed sleeping pills because they are affected by insomnia. Canadian researchers detail an analysis of 24 studies in a report in the British Medical Journal. They conclude that the risk of side effects such as dizziness, loss of balance, falls, and disorientation outweighed the benefits of such drugs. The studies, carried out between 1966 and 2003, covered 2,417 participants over 60. People who had taken sedatives for five consecutive nights were compared with others taking dummy pills. The studies covered a range of medications, including over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, and prescription only drugs like benzodiazepine. Effects such as dizziness or loss of balance were reported in 13 studies (1,016 participants). Seven cases led to serious events - six falls and one car crash. BBCNews