The prevalence of insomnia has significantly increased in recent years, with a notable rise in individuals using their phones in bed being identified as a contributing factor. According to data from the NHS, hospital appointments for insomnia cases have nearly doubled over the past four years. This surge is largely attributed to stressful lifestyles and the pervasive “24-hour on” culture, leading many to engage with their phones throughout the night.
In the previous year, hospital records documented 33,138 instances of patients suffering from insomnia, indicating a daily occurrence of nearly 100 cases. This number marks a considerable escalation compared to 26,944 cases in the preceding year and more than double the figure from four years ago, which stood at 15,215.
Zaheen Ahmed, Head of Treatment at the UKAT Group, highlighted the phenomenon of “Apple Glow,” emphasizing how phone usage at night has led to sleeping tablet addiction among individuals. Disrupted daily routines and sleeping patterns are common consequences of excessive phone dependency.
Encouraging self-assessment of phone usage, especially in light of the New Year, Ahmed suggested that scrutinizing phone habits could hold the key to addressing insomnia issues. Workers in industries with variable shifts within a 24-hour economy are also identified as a significant demographic seeking assistance for sleep-related problems.
NHS Digital’s insomnia statistics pertain to patients treated in hospitals for various conditions but specifically noted as suffering from insomnia by their physicians. Many appointments are related to underlying health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, or stroke, which are known to heighten the risk of insomnia.
Experts caution that the reported hospital cases merely scratch the surface, as these are instances where individuals reach a critical state necessitating immediate medical intervention. NHS data reveals that over a million people in England received prescriptions for sleeping tablets last year, amounting to a considerable cost of £81 million for the healthcare system.
Among the various sleeping aids prescribed, zopiclone emerged as the most widely dispensed medication, followed by melatonin and temazepam. Stephanie Romiszewski, author of ‘Think Less, Sleep More,’ shed light on the misconception surrounding insomnia, highlighting the complex nature of the condition beyond mere sleep deprivation.
Emphasizing the learned patterns of hyper-arousal associated with insomnia, Romiszewski underscored the importance of consistency in sleep routines and behavioral changes to foster better sleep habits. By reframing the approach to sleep and focusing on rebuilding consistent patterns, individuals can break the cycle of sleep disturbances and achieve genuine improvement in their sleep quality.