Sleeping Pills UK

Top 5 Sleeping Pills Prescribed in the UK

Zopiclone Next Day Delivery UK

If you’re struggling with insomnia, you’re not alone. Around 1 in 3 people in the UK experience sleep problems at some point. While doctors prefer to explore non-drug treatments first, there are times when a prescription sleeping pill is necessary — usually for short-term, severe cases.

Here’s a breakdown of the Top 5 most commonly prescribed sleeping pills in the UK, including how they work, their pros, and what you need to know before using them.

1. Zopiclone

Brand Names: Zimovane, generic Zopiclone

Typical Dose: 7.5mg (sometimes 10mg)

How it works:

Zopiclone is a Z-drug that acts on GABA receptors to slow down brain activity, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Pros:

Quick onset (within 30 minutes)

Short-term use effective for acute insomnia

Cons:

Bitter/metallic aftertaste

Can cause next-day drowsiness ("hangover effect")

Risk of dependency if used long-term

✅ Best for: Short bursts of insomnia due to stress, grief, or anxiety.

2. Temazepam

Brand Names: Restoril (not often branded in the UK)

Typical Dose: 10mg or 20mg tablets

How it works:

Temazepam is a benzo that works by boosting the Gaba receptors in the body and hence relaxes the body

Pros:

Strong sedative effect

Can be useful for sleep issues linked to severe anxiety

Cons:

Higher addiction potential than Z-drugs

Can cause confusion, especially in older adults

✅ Best for: Severe insomnia, anxiety-related sleep problems (only short-term use).

3. Zolpidem

Brand Names: Stilnoct

Typical Dose: 10mg tablets

How it works:

Another Z-drug, similar to Zopiclone but shorter-acting, meaning fewer next-day side effects if timed correctly.

Pros:

Rapid onset (within 15–30 minutes)

Less “hangover” feeling compared to Zopiclone

Cons:

Shorter sleep maintenance (good for falling asleep, not staying asleep)

Still carries a dependency risk

✅ Best for: Difficulty falling asleep, not staying asleep.

4. Diazepam

Brand Names: Valium

Typical Dose: 2mg, 5mg, or 10mg tablets

How it works:

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with long-lasting effects, often prescribed for anxiety-related sleep disturbances rather than primary insomnia.

Pros:

Reduces anxiety and muscle tension

Helps promote natural sleep

Cons:

Very high potential for addiction

It can cause sleepiness during the day due to its longer half life characteristics

✅ Best for: Short-term use in insomnia caused by acute anxiety or crisis events.

5. Amitriptyline (off-label use)

Brand Names: Elavil (US), generic Amitriptyline

Typical Dose: Low dose (10–30mg at bedtime for sleep)

How it works:

Originally an antidepressant, Amitriptyline is prescribed at low doses for its sedative side effect rather than for mood improvement.

Pros:

Good for people with pain-related insomnia (e.g., fibromyalgia)

Non-addictive compared to Z-drugs and benzodiazepines

Cons:

Can cause dry mouth, dizziness, and weight gain

Takes a few days to work fully

✅ Best for: Chronic insomnia linked to pain or depression/anxiety symptoms.

Important Warnings

Short-term use only: 2 to 4 weeks maximum is standard in the UK.

Tolerance builds quickly, meaning you might need higher doses — a red flag for dependency.

Withdrawal symptoms can happen if you stop suddenly, especially with benzodiazepines.

Do not use alcohol while you are into these medication as it can adversely effect

Always work with your GP and ask if CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) or other non-drug approaches might suit you better long-term.

Final Thoughts

Sleeping pills prescribed in the UK are powerful tools when used carefully and correctly. They’re not cures for insomnia, but they can offer short-term relief when you really need it.

If you're considering starting one, be honest with your doctor about your sleep patterns, mental health, and any history of substance use.