ITV’s Dr Amir Khan has shared expert advice about a common medication, urging people to “never” take it. Unless it’s been recommended by a doctor, it could bring many consequences
Katie-Ann Gupwell Acting Content Editor
14:38, 27 Feb 2026Updated 14:39, 27 Feb 2026
Doctor Amir Khan advised against using the medication (stock image)(Image: ITV)
Millions of people rely on medication daily, but there are certain medicines that doctors are reluctant to prescribe. ITV’s Doctor Amir Khan has previously admitted there’s one particular type he would “never” recommend, as he believes it can lead to dangerous consequences.
The health expert shared this advice during a previous episode of the No Appointment Necessary Podcast, which he co-hosts with presenter Cherry Healey. During a discussion about sleep and the struggles many face getting a proper night’s rest, the GP warned against one common medicine people turn to when trying to nod off.
This isn’t the only crucial guidance shared on the subject. It’s also been disclosed that there’s a straightforward technique available that can help you drift off to sleep more easily.
In a clip posted on social media, the doctor was questioned about when someone should resort to sleeping pills for assistance. He responded: “I would say never. Never, ever use sleeping tablets.
“There’ll be lots of people watching this going ‘well, I’ve got insomnia, I need sleeping tablets’. Actually, what you need is probably cognitive behavioural therapy and psychiatric input to look at why you’re not sleeping and what can be done.
“The only time I might, and this is so rare, give out sleeping tablets is if there has been an acute situation, like you’ve had a death in the family or you’ve been through a very traumatic incident, and you can’t sleep.
“I will never give them out for more than a week because they’re so addictive, you can build up a tolerance to them and the quality of sleep you have on sleeping tablets, you don’t get into that deep REM sleep that you need to feel fully refreshed.”
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It appears that sleeping tablets can sometimes cause more problems than they solve, which explains why the GP exercises such care when prescribing them.
What you should understand
Whilst GPs may occasionally prescribe sleeping medication for those desperately requiring it, they ought only to be taken for brief periods. They can serve as a short-term solution to help with the issue, and are typically only given for approximately a week under medical guidance.
They’re not regarded as a permanent fix for sleep problems. Although they can be successful in helping you fall asleep, prolonged usage can result in dependency, tolerance and daytime sleepiness.
For those dealing with conditions such as insomnia, changes to lifestyle and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) are the recommended primary treatment options.
Individuals should not take sleeping pills without first consulting their doctor, as the medication might not be suitable for them, or there could be more effective methods of managing their symptoms. Avoid using non-prescription alternatives without contacting your GP beforehand.
If they’re prescribed to you, there’s no reason to be frightened of taking them. You simply need to make sure you use them carefully and remain mindful of the potential dangers involved.
Whilst they can provide short-term relief for insomnia, both prescription and over-the-counter medications carry significant, well-documented risks. For this reason, they should never be used on a long-term basis.
If you’re worried about your sleep quality, speak to your doctor for further guidance. They will advise you on the most appropriate ways to address it.
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