"Sleeping tablets" is a broad term covering everything from herbal remedies bought in a supermarket to prescription Z-drugs. This guide explains the main UK categories, when each is appropriate, and how to access them safely.
1. Over-the-counter (GSL) options
- Kalms Night — herbal valerian-based tablets for occasional sleeplessness.
- Lifestyle measures and apps for sleep hygiene.
2. Pharmacy (P) sleeping tablets
Available without a prescription after a pharmacist safety check.
- Nytol One-A-Night (diphenhydramine 50 mg) — sedating antihistamine for short-term insomnia.
- Phenergan Night Time (promethazine 25 mg) — sedating antihistamine for short-term sleep difficulties.
3. Prescription (POM) sleeping tablets
- Zopiclone 3.75 mg / 7.5 mg — Z-drug, short-term insomnia.
- Zolpidem 10 mg — Z-drug, clinically equivalent to zopiclone (NICE TA77).
- Circadin (melatonin prolonged-release 2 mg) — first-line option for adults aged 55+ with primary insomnia.
- Short courses of benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam) only where specifically indicated.
What NICE recommends first
For ongoing insomnia, NICE recommends CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment, alongside good sleep hygiene. Sleeping tablets are reserved for short-term use where these are not enough.
Risks of sleeping tablets
- Dependence and rebound insomnia with Z-drugs and benzodiazepines.
- Daytime drowsiness — affects driving and operating machinery.
- Falls and fractures, particularly in older adults.
- Breathing suppression when combined with opioids or alcohol.
How to get sleeping tablets safely in the UK
- Complete an online sleep assessment covering history, symptoms and medications.
- Verify your identity and GP details.
- A UK-registered prescriber reviews your case and decides on the safest option.
- Approved medicines are dispensed by our registered pharmacy in plain, tracked packaging.