Key Summary
- The service includes an in-depth online questionnaire reviewed by clinicians, with a tailored treatment plan
- It may also include prescription medication if appropriate
- Patients can collect prescriptions from Boots stores or have them delivered to their home
Boots Online Doctor will help adults struggling with sleep difficulties by providing expert advice, treatment options and guidance for better sleep.
The new Insomnia Treatment service includes an in-depth online questionnaire reviewed by clinicians, with a tailored treatment plan that may include prescription medication if appropriate.
Patients can collect prescriptions from Boots stores or have them delivered to their home.
Insomnia affects around one in three adults in the UK and can lead to fatigue, reduced concentration, and long-term health risks such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Sleep challenges can worsen during the festive season, when busy schedules, late nights and disrupted routines can make it harder to get a restful night.
Dr Clare Rooms, GP and Clinical Lead for Insomnia at Boots Online Doctor, said: “While occasional disrupted sleep over the festive period is normal, it’s important to look out for signs of longer-term sleep difficulties.
"These include persistent sleep issues beyond a couple of weeks, tiredness affecting daily function, symptoms that don't improve despite sleep hygiene measures, or developing anxiety around bedtime."
Dr Rooms top five sleep hygiene tips are as follows:
If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing, like reading. Lying awake in bed can ‘train’ your brain that bed's for being awake.
Try to get up at the same time every day, even on holidays. Lie-ins might feel good, but they can mess with your sleep cycle.
Limit alcohol before bed as it can reduce the restorative REM phase of sleep, make you restless and increase snoring.
Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime, as it can can raise blood sugar, cause overheating and trigger indigestion.
Exposure to daylight helps regulate melatonin levels, and physical activity - even a walk after lunch - supports good sleep patterns.
