In recent months, Argentina has seen an uptick in the sales of hypnotics and sedatives, with a 7% increase reported during the early part of the year. This rise in consumption has raised concerns among health specialists about the dangers of self-medication and the uncontrolled use of these drugs. The Argentine Pharmaceutical Confederation (COFA) highlighted that from January to May 2025, over 1.5 million units were sold, surpassing last year’s figures. Meanwhile, tranquilizers, another major group of psychotropic drugs, experienced a slight decrease in sales. This shift in drug consumption patterns, along with the significant use of certain medications like zolpidem and sertraline, signals a change in prescription practices amidst growing health concerns.
Sleep Crisis and Anxiety Surge in Argentina
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The University of Buenos Aires (UBA)’s Social Psychology Observatory reports that 60% of Argentinians struggle with sleep issues, a number that has steadily increased since the pandemic. Economic stress, fear of crime, and societal challenges are largely blamed for the insomnia and restlessness affecting the nation. Dr. Cristian Garay, a psychologist and co-author of the UBA study, notes a worrying trend toward reduced sleep hours, which directly impacts overall health. The economic and social environment not only exacerbates sleep disorders but also disproportionately affects women, the elderly, and lower-income groups. Pulmonologist Facundo Nogueira points out that poor sleep not only heightens disease risk but also diminishes life quality.
The Dangers of Self-Medication and Prescription Excess
The increase in hypnotic and sedative use often does not correspond with proper medical advice. Many individuals obtain these drugs through recommendations from non-professionals or by self-medicating—practices linked with serious risks such as tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects. Dr. Ramiro Heredia emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep issues with primary care doctors and tailoring psychotropic drug use to each individual case. Reports from COFA and neuropsychiatry specialists agree that prolonged and uncontrolled use of these drugs significantly elevates the risk of addiction. Furthermore, the inappropriate prescription of anxiolytics for mild insomnia cases, against international recommendations favoring antidepressants, contributes to medication misuse.
Therapeutic Alternatives and Clinical Approaches
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Addressing sleep disorders extends beyond pharmacological treatment. Experts suggest that daily activities greatly influence sleep quality, advocating for cognitive-behavioral therapy, reduced screen time, and stable nighttime routines as effective strategies. In Argentina, psychological treatment faces fewer social stigmas compared to other regions, enhancing accessibility to non-medical interventions. Promoting healthy habits, such as ensuring a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment, avoiding heavy meals before bedtime, and scheduling exercise during daylight hours, can help mitigate medication dependency. “Sleeping well should be a right, and many sleep issues can be alleviated through stress and anxiety management strategies,” states Dr. Heredia.
Health System Responses and Public Policy Initiatives
The surge in sleep aid sales poses a significant public health challenge. Experts advocate for awareness campaigns to prevent self-medication and to improve access to specialized medical consultations, ensuring that pharmacological solutions are used only when absolutely necessary. The sleep problem in Argentina also relates to broader indicators of life quality, social discomfort, and emotional vulnerability. Ongoing surveillance of psychotropic drug use is crucial, and various organizations emphasize the need to enhance living conditions and promote anxiety and distress management as essential tools for improving rest.
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.