Insomnia Treatment Service

No. You complete an online consultation in 5–10 minutes, whenever suits you. A clinician reviews it within 24 hours and prescribes if appropriate. Sometimes they will send you a message or give you a quick call to check something before prescribing, so please keep an eye on your account.

Common reasons include stress hormones, alcohol wearing off, needing the toilet, reflux, pain, hot flushes, low mood and sleep apnoea. Our assessment looks for these so we can treat the cause, not just the symptom.

A structured programme, often delivered by an app, that retrains your sleep habits and the way you think about sleep. It is the first treatment NICE recommends for long-term insomnia, and the benefits often last after you stop. We'll tell you how to access it.

Because it works well, lasts, and has no side effects. If you have already tried it, can't access it, or it isn't suitable for you, your clinician can discuss medicine.

We don't prescribe zopiclone, zolpidem or benzodiazepines (such as diazepam) online, because of the risk of dependence. Where it's appropriate, our clinicians can prescribe licensed treatments for insomnia, including newer medicines that work differently to traditional sleeping tablets. Your clinician will talk you through the options.

For most treatments we ask for your consent to share details with your NHS GP. It keeps your records complete and keeps you safe. For some treatments we can't prescribe without it.

To keep you safe, we verify your identity and, with your consent, check your NHS record (Summary Care Record) or contact your GP. This is required for some sleep treatments.

You get a full refund. We'll explain why and suggest the best next step, which may be a GP consultation or a referral.

Yes. Carrying extra weight raises the chance of obstructive sleep apnoea, where breathing stops and starts during sleep. It causes poor sleep and daytime tiredness. Losing weight can help a lot. If our assessment suggests sleep apnoea, we'll help you get tested.

Some people notice nausea, reflux or changes in hunger at night, especially when the dose goes up. Tell us in your assessment and we'll include it in your plan. If you're on our weight programme, your answers are shared with your weight clinician.

Yes. Hot flushes, night sweats and hormone changes are a very common cause of poor sleep. Treating the menopause symptoms often improves sleep, and we'll guide you to the right option.

Please tell us. Most sleep medicines aren't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we'll usually recommend a GP consultation instead.

No. Our insomnia service is for adults aged 18 and over.

If you have fallen asleep or nearly fallen asleep while driving, stop driving and speak to a doctor. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 999 or go to A&E if you are in danger now, or call NHS 111 (choose the mental health option) or Samaritans on 116 123.