Insomnia? There’s a Nice-backed app for that | Letter

Evidence-based digital therapeutics are now available that treat insomnia and other mental health conditions safely, writes Dr Ian Wood

Dieter Riemann, a professor of clinical psychophysiology at the University of Freiburg in Germany, suggests clinicians may now take insomnia more seriously (Discovery of different forms of insomnia could lead to better treatment, 22 July). As a GP, I certainly take insomnia seriously, observing first-hand the debilitating effect it can have on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. GPs also understand the importance of tackling the root causes of insomnia and would prefer not to prescribe potentially harmful hypnotics.

The NHS in Scotland has pioneered the use of evidence-based digital therapeutics that treat insomnia and other mental health conditions safely through cognitive behavioural therapy. These are self-guided programmes, accessed via an app or online without requiring a prescription. The health secretary has expressed a refreshing openness to innovation and technologies.