PATIENTS are being encouraged to stop taking sleeping tablets by doctors and pharmacists.

In the north Tees area, some GP practices will provide special clinics and all practices are able to provide advice for patients who wish to stop taking sleeping tablets.

Patients who have taken the tablets regularly are to be offered help on how they can create better sleep patterns for themselves, without the use of, and possible dependence on, sleeping tablets.

Doctor John Harley, the lead GP of the prescribing group at North Tees Primary Care Group, said: "We are aware that the drugs used to help people sleep actually become less effective after several weeks' treatment.

"Patients can become dependent on the drugs too, so as well as advising them how to reduce their dose and eventually stop taking them, we will be helping them to have a more natural and refreshing sleep without resorting to taking sleeping pills."

However, reducing some patients' medication may not be appropriate.

GP's will discuss stopping this medication with patients or they will be writing to them to suggest they may wish to consider attending the special clinics.

At the clinics, patients will be able to talk to a pharmacist about coming off the pills and will be given a good sleep guide.