Popping a pill might seem a small price to pay for a peaceful night's sleep. But beware of the long-term cost - those who pop sleeping pills are a third more likely to die prematurely than those who don't, says latest research.

The figure takes into account factors that can affect longevity, from social class and chronic health conditions to smoking and alcohol use. And, unlike previous research, it also recognises the effects of depression, reports the Daily Mail.

With around 10 million sleeping pill prescriptions in Britain and many more tablets sold over the counter, the findings have significant implications for the health and habits of the nation, says the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

Crucially, the study did not distinguish between those who were heavy users and those who only took them occasionally.

Researcher Genevieve Belleville of the Laval University in Quebec, Canada said: 'These medications aren't candy and taking them is far from harmless.'

Belleville analysed 12 years of data on more than 12,000 Canadians. When all other factors were equal, death rates were found to be significantly higher among sleeping pill users and those taking tablets to ease anxiety.

Pill takers were more likely to succumb to every type of illness, from parasites to cancer, she said.