Date
14 April 2026Location
Online via WebEx 13.00 - 14.00About the event
An introduction to the biological processes that govern sleep, followed by a facilitated case-based discussion about the complexities of managing problematic polypharmacy and deprescribing in patients prescribed medicines for insomnia.
This is a follow on from the polypharmacy webinar series, which lays the foundations of some of the deprescribing tools available and features a generalist case study.
Why it’s important
The National Overprescribing review highlighted that 10% of medicines prescribed in primary care may be inappropriate and those taking 10 or more medicines are 300 times more likely to have a drug related hospital admission, highlighting the importance of deprescribing.
In the UK around 38% of adults report insomnia symptoms and insomnia is associated with a variety of physical and mental health problems. Chronic insomnia is a societal burden, costing up to £34billion annually in productivity loss in the workplace. Effective management, including non-pharmacological interventions, is important for improving individual wellbeing and overall population health.
Structured medication reviews (SMRs) improve medication adherence, reduce unnecessary prescriptions, and optimise patient outcomes. By reviewing patient experience, symptoms, medication use, healthcare professionals can minimise risk of harm, limit side effects, and prevent poor health outcomes. This approach ensures that treatments remain appropriate and effective for better management and enhanced quality of life.
What was covered
- An introduction to the biological processes that govern sleep
- Insight into a person-centred and holistic approach to managing insomnia, including non-pharmacological interventions
- Case-based discussion about undertaking an SMR, including deprescribing, in a patient with polypharmacy with a focus on insomnia
Speakers
Speakers from SPS and external organisations will facilitate this event
Non-SPS speakers
Dr Rania Ward
Principal Pharmacist – Sleep Medicine, Queen Victoria NHS Foundation Trust
SPS speakers
Resources
All of our polypharmacy webinar recordings can be found on the SMRs in problematic polypharmacy: case based discussions webpage. Information presented in these resources is correct at time of recording. Current guidance should be followed.
Contact us
Please contact the admin team if you have any questions.
Update history
- Page changed to past event. Registration block removed. Link to polypharmacy resource page added.
- Contact email changed
- Published