NHS GP and television doctor Amir Khan has delivered a powerful warning, urging the public to "never, ever" use sleeping tablets to combat insomnia. The stark advice was given during a recent episode of his podcast, No Appointment Necessary, where he discussed sleep solutions with co-host Cherry Healey.
The Dangers of Prescription Sleep Aids
Dr Khan was firm in his stance, stating that it is "so rare" for him to prescribe such medication. He explained that sleeping pills are highly addictive and patients can quickly build a tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Perhaps more importantly, he highlighted that the quality of sleep on these tablets is compromised.
"You don't get into that deep REM sleep that you need to feel fully refreshed," Dr Khan concluded, emphasising that users often wake up feeling far from rested.
When Might Sleeping Pills Be Considered?
While maintaining his "never" position, the GP acknowledged an extremely narrow exception. He said the only scenario where he might consider a short-term prescription is following an acute traumatic event, such as a bereavement.
"I will never give them out for more than a week because they are so addictive," he clarified, stressing that any use should be strictly temporary and never become a regular prescription.
Safe and Effective Alternatives to Medication
For the vast majority of people struggling with sleep, Dr Khan advocates for a different approach. Instead of reaching for pills, he recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address the root causes of sleeplessness.
"Actually, what you need is probably cognitive behavioural therapy," he said, suggesting that some individuals may also need "psychiatric input to look at why you're not sleeping and what can be done."
He also shared a practical, science-backed technique called "cognitive shuffling." This method involves giving your brain a non-stressful task, such as thinking of names for every letter of the alphabet, to calm a racing mind and encourage sleep naturally.
Recognising the Symptoms of Insomnia
The NHS defines insomnia by several key symptoms. You may have insomnia if you regularly:
- find it hard to go to sleep
- wake up several times during the night
- lie awake at night or wake up too early
- still feel tired after waking up
- feel tired and irritable during the day
- find it difficult to concentrate due to tiredness
Short-term insomnia lasts for less than three months, while long-term insomnia persists for three months or longer. The health service advises that if changes to your sleep routine don't help, or if insomnia is severely impacting your daily life, it is crucial to consult a GP for support.
