Xanax and Other Benzodiazepines Linked to Dementia Risk - Mercola (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/ 2013/03/13/benzodiazepines.aspx) 13 Mar 2013 Research reveals that using benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, conducive to sleep, since it mimics your body's natural temperature drop. (and drinks, and herbs) elevate mood, and which have the opposite effect.