Sleeping Pills

Sleeping Pills & Sleep Tablets in the UK

Sleeping problems can affect concentration, energy, mood and everyday life. Sleeping tablets are one possible treatment option in specific circumstances, but they are not appropriate for everyone.

The right approach depends on why you are having trouble sleeping, how long the problem has continued and whether other health conditions or medicines are involved.

What Are Sleeping Pills?

Sleeping pills, sometimes called hypnotic medicines, are medicines used to help with certain sleep problems.

Different medicines have different mechanisms, indications, risks and supply requirements. Prescription sleeping medicines should only be used when clinically appropriate and supplied through the correct UK healthcare pathway.

Are Sleeping Tablets Suitable for Everyone?

No.

A healthcare professional may need to consider:

• the cause of insomnia
• duration of symptoms
• age
• existing medical conditions
• other medicines
• alcohol use
• risk of dependence
• daytime drowsiness
• other possible sleep disorders

Sleeping Pills and Long-Term Insomnia

For long-term insomnia, behavioural treatment is particularly important.

NICE identifies CBT-I as first-line treatment for long-term insomnia.