The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has officially recommended Sleepio, a digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tool, as a cost-effective and clinically effective alternative to traditional sleep medication for treating insomnia. This marks a significant milestone, making Sleepio the first digital treatment in the UK to receive NICE approval.
A Digital Solution to a Widespread Problem
Insomnia affects roughly one-third of adults in the UK. While CBT is considered the gold standard for treatment, limited access to qualified therapists within the NHS has left many patients relying on medication.
“Most people go to their GP and are given sleep medicine,” says Matt Williams, senior manager of mental health programmes at Health Innovation Oxford & Thames Valley. “But these aren’t necessarily drugs you want to take long-term due to their side effects. What’s exciting about Sleepio is that it offers a new way to deliver CBT digitally, reducing the need for medication.”
Digital Therapies vs Health Apps
The digital health sector has grown rapidly in recent years, but not all products are created equal. While health and wellness apps often serve as tools for guidance or tracking, digital therapies like Sleepio provide clinically validated treatments. “There’s a key difference between health apps and digital therapies,” says Williams. “The latter use evidence-based therapeutic content and are designed to mimic clinical treatment in a flexible, home-based format.”
Looking Ahead
The approval of Sleepio signals a broader shift towards digital therapies in mental healthcare, especially for conditions like insomnia. With tools like this, patients can access effective, structured treatment anytime, anywhere—without the long waits or risks associated with medication.
