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

Consumer interest in protection rises amid safety concerns

Consumer interest in protection rises amid safety concerns

National Friendly findings

Jaskeet Briah
clock 15 April 2026 • 3 min read
Mortality rates drop to lowest quarterly level in Q1 2026

Mortality rates drop to lowest quarterly level in Q1 2026

Lower flu and pneumonia deaths

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 April 2026 • 1 min read
The COVER Review: Probate, customer vulnerability and education

The COVER Review: Probate, customer vulnerability and education

Week commencing 6 April 2026

COVER
clock 10 April 2026 • 1 min read