What about those ‘risky’ sleeping pills from the GP?

Three medications can be used to treat insomnia: zopiclone and zolpidem — collectively known as Zdrugs — and melatonin.

Z-drugs work by increasing the activity of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid, which induces feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.

They were first marketed in the early 1990s as a safer option than addictive benzodiazepine tranquillisers such as temazepam.

In the short term, Z-drugs cause few problems and can be a lifeline to those battling a debilitating bout of insomnia.

However it is now well recognised that they carry similar risks to the older drugs, such as dependence and withdrawal, as well as the return of sleep problems.

They can also trigger side effects, including daytime drowsiness, which can lead to traffic accidents, falls and fractures. They can also cause sleepwalking.

There’s even some evidence that, if taken long-term, they could increase the risk of dementia.

The HSE’s guidance tallies with the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in recommending that patients should be on the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

Professor Guy Leschziner, a London-based neurologist, says: ‘Zdrugs should be used for a maximum of two weeks — when people can’t sleep due to extreme stress, for example.’

Melatonin — a synthetic version of the hormone naturally produced by the body to trigger sleep — is similarly tricky.

However, Prof Leschziner says: ‘Melatonin doesn’t work for everyone and its effects can wear off. Patients don’t become dependent on it but there are questions as to whether taking it might then suppress your own normal production.

‘If you have issues with your sleep, using effective non-drug-based therapies is the way to go.’