Dependence on sleeping pills rises as wellbeing suffers: Unum UK

Over 11 million prescriptions issued in 2020/21

Hemma Visavadia
clock • 1 min read

Unum UK has warned of the negative impacts of remote working can have on sleeping patterns, as the use of sleeping pills increases year-on-year.

Despite the NHS warning of the risks of dependence and side effects of using sleeping pills, with more people unable to sleep prescriptions for sleeping pills available on the NHS is rising. A recent YouGov survey showed that in March 2022, only 17% of Brits were getting an average of eight hours of sleep a night. Meanwhile, more than 11 million sleeping prescriptions were issued in England in 2020/21, rising by 300,000 from the previous year, according to the NHS Business Services Authority. Unum UK stated poor sleep health has been exacerbated by the switch to remote working, which ...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

The COVER Review: NHS waiting list, provider updates and over-insurance

The COVER Review: NHS waiting list, provider updates and over-insurance

Week commencing 10 February 2025

COVER
clock 14 February 2025 • 1 min read
Two-thirds of parents worried about critical illness for children

Two-thirds of parents worried about critical illness for children

Findings from third LV= Reaching Resilience report

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 February 2025 • 1 min read
NHS waiting list hits low in December

NHS waiting list hits low in December

7.48 million people awaiting treatment

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 February 2025 • 1 min read