- Oxford University researchers examined more than effects of 30 insomnia drugs
- They found that eszopiclone and lemborexant were best for easing symptoms
- The pills are hypnotics which slow activity in the brain to encourage sleep
Two drugs not yet approved in the UK are the most effective medicines for treating insomnia, a major review has found.
Two drugs not yet approved in the UK are the most effective medicines for treating insomnia, a major review has found.
Oxford University experts examined more than 150 studies that tested the effects of 30 different drugs on thousands of adults suffering from sleeping problems.
Eszopiclone, sold under the brand Lunesta, and lemborexant, marketed as Dayvigo, were best for easing insomnia symptoms.
They worked better than benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, two powerful sleeping pills NHS bosses are trying to phase out.
Both pills are already used across Europe and the US. They are hypnotics which work by calming the brain to get someone to sleep very quickly.
Study leader Professor Andrea Cipriani said he expects British regulators to consider approving both drugs in light of the findings.
However, he noted they can trigger side effects, such as headaches, dizziness and nausea — similar to addictive benzodiazepines.
Professor Cipriani said non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as therapy, should still be the first-line treatment.