Sam Thompson, a former contestant on the reality show "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!", has revealed that he sought a prescription for sleeping pills from his general practitioner (GP) ahead of filming the spin-off series "Unpacked" in Australia. The unusual filming schedule, which required him to go to bed at 4 pm and wake up at midnight, had him concerned about the impact of jet lag on his sleep patterns.

Celebrities Seek Medical Intervention to Manage Jet Lag

Sleeping Pill Prescription for Filming Abroad

Sam Thompson, who is co-presenting the "Unpacked" spin-off series alongside Joel Dommett and Kemi Rogers, acknowledged that the "awkward" filming timings might impact his sleep. In an interview on the "Staying Relevant Podcast," Thompson revealed that he proactively sought a prescription for sleeping pills from his GP "just in case" he struggled with the jet lag and time difference.

Thompson's co-host, Pete Wicks, who is a contestant on the upcoming season of "Strictly Come Dancing," disclosed that Thompson was prescribed "24 sleeping pills" for his time on the show. Wicks recounted that Thompson had told him, "I've just been to the doctor and I've got 24 sleeping pills," immediately after receiving the news about the filming schedule.

Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Sleeping Pill Use

While sleeping pills can help someone fall asleep when they're struggling with a regular sleep pattern, they don't always improve the quality of sleep. Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, a general practitioner with the NHS, emphasizes that sleeping pills are only a "short-term" solution for sleep issues and should be used with medical supervision and for just a few days at a time.

Dr. Misra-Sharp explains that medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) or non-benzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., zolpidem, zopiclone) can be effective in the short term, but there are significant risks associated with their prolonged use. The key is to avoid the body becoming dependent on the sedative side effects, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms as well as unwanted side effects such as drowsiness during the day or memory issues.

Healthier Sleep Strategies for Long-Term Improvement

Dr. Misra-Sharp recommends that non-pharmacological sleep strategies are better for long-term sleep improvement. These include:- Improving sleep hygiene by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to regulate the body's internal clock.- Creating the right environment, such as ensuring the bedroom is dark, cool, and the mattress and pillows are comfortable.- Avoiding screen time an hour before bed, as the blue light exposure can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder to fall asleep.- Practicing meditation and mindfulness to reduce stress and relax the muscles, which can improve sleep quality.- Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly, as these can help regulate the sleep routine at night.- Limiting naps, as long afternoon naps can disrupt sleep at night and leave individuals feeling worse in the long run.By adopting these healthier sleep strategies, individuals can improve their sleep quality without relying on potentially addictive sleeping pills, especially in the context of jet lag and unusual filming schedules.