BBC Morning Live’s resident GP, Doctor Xand van Tulleken, has issued a caution to viewers about the potential pitfalls of spending money on sleep-enhancing products, highlighting that many may be both ineffective and expensive. A quick Google search for “sleep patches” often produces suggestions like “sleep patches that actually work” and “sleep patches scam.”

Speaking on the topic, Dr. Xand implied that these products might indeed be scams. During a segment of the BBC breakfast show aired on October 27, he remarked, “Sleep patches are marketed as the latest solution for sleep issues, but they’re also becoming a major profit source for those targeting vulnerable individuals struggling with sleep deprivation.”

He elaborated, “Lack of sleep leaves you exhausted, impairing decision-making and causing significant anxiety. This opens up a lucrative market for selling so-called cures and treatments. Sleep patches are priced between 50p and £1 daily. While £1 a day doesn’t seem much, over a year, these costs add up for something you might use indefinitely.”

Breaking it down further, he pointed out, “In three years, you’ll have spent £1,000. That’s enough for a relaxing weekend getaway where you can truly rest, perhaps at a nice hotel. Consider saving your money.”

Dr. Xand also cautioned those with sleep issues, noting, “These patches often promote substances like melatonin. However, melatonin isn’t a magic fix or sedative; it aids in resetting your sleep cycle, which is mainly effective for jet lag, not other sleep problems.”

In his concluding advice on the subject, he urged people, “Avoid wasting your time, energy, and money on sleep patches.”

NHS sleep warning – do you think or feel these?

If you are struggling to sleep, health experts at NHS inform have noted that if you notice the signs and symptoms below, it could be time to seek help.

How your body might feel

• tired/exhausted
• restless
• lacking energy
• weak/heavy – as if you can’t get out of bed

Thoughts you might have

• “I’m never going to get enough sleep.”
• “I’m going to have a terrible day tomorrow.”
• “I’ll be awake all night.”
• “I’ll fall asleep at work and get in trouble.”

Feelings you might have

• so tired it makes you feel upset or depressed
• tense or stressed
• irritable or short-tempered
• angry or impatient
• worried

Things you might do

• try to catch up on sleep during the day
• watch TV or use your phone in bed to pass the time
• lie awake in bed at night
• check the time a lot during the night
• smoke (cannabis or nicotine) hoping it will help you relax
• drink alcohol hoping it will help you sleep

How your life might be affected

• you might have an irregular sleep pattern, with no real routine
• you might have difficulty concentrating
• it might be hard to motivate yourself to start your day
• you might not want to spend time with friends and family

Do you need support?

If you are feeling distressed, in a state of despair, suicidal or you need of emotional support, you can phone NHS 24 on 111 for free. If you feel you need more help with your mental health, try speaking to your GP, or search for mental health and wellbeing services in your area.

For information and advice when you’re feeling down, you can phone Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.

The Breathing Space phoneline is available:

• 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday to 6am Monday)
• 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday to Thursday)