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

£1m paid out to Waddle Insurance customers

£1m paid out to Waddle Insurance customers

Average claim took 90 days to complete

Jaskeet Briah
clock 07 May 2026 • 2 min read
Over-85 population expected to double in next 25 years

Over-85 population expected to double in next 25 years

Number of pensionable age people to also grow

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 April 2026 • 3 min read
Reassured partners with Farewill on will writing

Reassured partners with Farewill on will writing

Digital service to create a legally binding will

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 April 2026 • 1 min read