Doctor Amir Khan's Firm Stance Against Sleeping Tablets
Millions of individuals rely on medication daily, but there are certain treatments that medical professionals are hesitant to prescribe. ITV's renowned Doctor Amir Khan has publicly declared one specific type of medication he would "never" recommend for public use, highlighting significant risks associated with its consumption.
The Podcast Revelation
During a previous episode of the No Appointment Necessary Podcast, which he co-hosts with presenter Cherry Healey, Doctor Amir Khan shared this critical health guidance. The discussion centred on sleep difficulties and common strategies people employ to achieve rest. The GP emphasised a particular approach that should be avoided when attempting to fall asleep.
This advice is not isolated; additional simple techniques to facilitate easier sleep onset have also been disclosed, providing a broader context for managing sleep health.
The 'Never' Recommendation
In a social media clip, Doctor Amir Khan was directly questioned about when an individual should consider using sleeping pills. His response was unequivocal: "I would say never. Never, ever use sleeping tablets." He acknowledged that many viewers with insomnia might feel reliant on such medication but stressed alternative solutions.
"Actually, what you need is probably cognitive behavioural therapy and psychiatric input to look at why you're not sleeping and what can be done," he explained. The only exception he noted is in acute, rare situations, such as following a family death or traumatic incident, where short-term use might be considered.
Risks of Dependency and Poor Sleep Quality
Doctor Amir Khan elaborated on his caution, stating he would never prescribe sleeping tablets for more than a week due to their highly addictive nature. "You can build up a tolerance to them, and the quality of sleep you have on sleeping tablets, you don't get into that deep REM sleep that you need to feel fully refreshed," he warned. This insight reveals that sleeping tablets can sometimes cause more harm than good, undermining their intended purpose.
Essential Guidelines for Patients
While doctors may occasionally prescribe sleeping pills for severe cases, they are intended strictly for short-term use, typically around a week under medical supervision. These medications are not a long-term solution for sleep issues like insomnia. Prolonged usage can lead to dependency, increased tolerance, and daytime drowsiness, despite their initial effectiveness in inducing sleep.
For conditions such as insomnia, lifestyle adjustments and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) are recommended as first-line treatments. Patients are strongly advised against using sleeping pills without prior consultation with a doctor, as alternative management strategies may be more suitable. Over-the-counter options should also be avoided without GP approval.
If prescribed, sleeping tablets can be used cautiously for short-term relief, but awareness of their potential risks is crucial. Both prescription and over-the-counter variants carry significant, well-documented dangers, reinforcing why they should never be utilised long-term.
Individuals concerned about their sleep patterns should seek professional medical advice for personalised management plans. Doctor Amir Khan's warning serves as a vital reminder to prioritise safer, non-pharmacological approaches to sleep health whenever possible.
