May 20, 2022

expert reaction to NICE guidance on using the app based treatment ‘Sleepio’ for insomnia instead of sleeping pills

NICE has recommended an app-based treatment ‘Sleepio’ as an effective alternative to sleeping pills for people with insomnia.

Prof Guy Leschziner, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Lead for Sleep and Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine, IoPPN, King’s College London

“CBTi (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia) has been shown as being as effective as drugs, with some evidence that duration of effectiveness is longer. Additionally it does not risk adverse effects as some drugs do.

“The first line treatment for insomnia in most UK Sleep Centres is already CBTi but this is resource intensive and these digital platforms provide a much broader reach and accessibility.”

‘Sleepio to treat insomnia and insomnia symptoms’ was published by NICE at 00:01 UK time on Friday 20^th May.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg70

Declared interests

None received.