Treatment options

The first step in treating insomnia is to evaluate the person’s sleeping habits and encourage them to adopt good ‘sleep hygiene’ (see panel on the right). 

Keeping a diary of the time they go to bed, get up, the number of times they’re awake in the night, when they’re tired during the day, and their lifestyle, including diet, exercise and stress, can be a good starting point.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication

Sleep aids available OTC are generally based on older style antihistamines that have drowsiness as a side-effect. Common active ingredients include promethazine hydrochloride (e.g. Sominex) and diphenhydramine (e.g. Nytol).

These are useful for short-term relief from temporary sleep disturbances in people aged 16 and over.

 However, customers should be warned that they may experience drowsiness the following day and should be cautious if they plan to drive or operate machinery.

Such products should not be taken for longer than seven days without medical advice. If any customers are making repeat requests or purchasing multiple packs, refer them to the pharmacist.

Herbal remedies

Herbal sleep products are often based on ingredients like valerian and passiflora. They are thought to work by promoting calmness and encouraging natural sleep.

Their effects may not be immediate, so warn customers that some products may need to be taken continuously for two to four weeks before they see any improvement. Examples include Kalms Night, Nytol Herbal, and Sominex Herbal.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended in chronic (long-term) cases of insomnia and stress. It involves strategies such as sleep restriction therapy, relaxation training and stimulus control.