Important information about insomnia treatment
About insomnia treatment
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder where someone finds it difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep, and their lack of sleep has a significant impact on their daily life. Chronic insomnia is a type of long-term insomnia that lasts more than 3 months and where someone struggles to fall asleep or stay asleep 3 or more nights per week.
Although there may be several factors that can cause chronic insomnia, it can be treated. We offer the prescription treatments melatonin or Quviviq (daridorexant) to treat chronic insomnia, if suitable for you.
How do insomnia treatments work?
Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Taking melatonin tablets increases your body's natural supply of the hormone which can improve the duration and quality of your sleep.
Daridorexant is the active ingredient in Quviviq. It works by blocking a chemical called orexin which is produced by the brain to help you wake up. By blocking orexin, Quviviq can help promote more restful sleep.
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If you’re prescribed either melatonin or Quviviq (daridorexant), you’ll take one tablet before going to bed. Do not take more than one tablet per night.
What are the side effects?
Both melatonin and Quviviq (daridorexant) are generally well tolerated by most people. Side effects tend to be mild and lessen as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Side effects of melatonin can include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Back pain and joint pains
Side effects of Quviviiq can include:
- Headache
- Excessive sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Nausea (feeling sick)
For the full information of a medicine’s side effects and how to take it, it’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.
How effective are chronic insomnia treatments?
When taken as prescribed, melatonin and Quviviq can help most people increase the quality and duration of their sleep.
When you first take melatonin or Quviviq, you may notice some improvement in the quality of your sleep after a few nights. However, it may take a few weeks before you experience the full benefit of the treatment.
Please note that using melatonin to treat insomnia in people under 55 is considered “off-label”.
Important safety information
Insomnia can have a significant impact on both your physical and mental health, which is why it’s important to find the treatment that’s right for you so you can get a good night’s rest.
If you experience drowsiness during the daytime while taking either melatonin or Quviviq, you should not drive, operate machinery or undertake hazardous activities.
You should stop taking melatonin or Quviviq and speak to your GP or healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea or increased breathing difficulty
- Low mood/anxiety, depression or thoughts of harming yourself
If you’re struggling with your mental health please contact your GP, local mental health service or emergency services for support.
What if I’m pregnant?
You should not take either melatonin or Quviviq if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant.
If you’re pregnant and struggling with sleep, speak to your GP or midwife for alternative insomnia treatments that you can use safely during pregnancy.
What are my options if I don’t want treatment?
There are things you can try to help improve your sleep.
Therapy can help with insomnia and CBTi (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia) has been shown to be particularly effective. CBTi can be done either online or face-to-face and is often available through the NHS. To explore online resources that offer CBTi, visit these websites:
Improve your sleep hygiene
- Keep the bedroom cool and dark and distraction free
- Avoid watching television or looking at screens at least one hour before bed
- Build a sleep routine by sticking to the same times to go to sleep and to wake up. Avoid napping during the day
Last reviewed on: 21/10/2025