Developments in sleep technology devices and the use of personal monitoring apps are helping people to understand their sleep habits better, and may identify issues that are impairing sleep.

NHS Choices suggests Sleepio, a digital programme based on cognitive behavioural therapy to help people overcome sleep problems. A NICE Medtech innovation briefing [MIB129] says Sleepio €has potential to have a positive impact for adults with poor sleep compared with standard care.€21,22

As at January 1 2018, none of the apps for mental health included in the NHS Apps library (https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/) were specifically for insomnia. However, several apps relating to stress, anxiety and depression are listed, including some currently being tested in the NHS.23

In terms of new pharmacotherapy, scientists have been looking at the potential of targeting orexins or hypocretins. Secreted in the hypothalamus, these compounds are involved in regulating wakefulness and arousal.24 In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant (marketed as Belsomra by Merck) for insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or maintenance. While it is available on prescription in the US, it is not licensed in the European Union.25