PATIENTS in Darlington are being weaned off sleeping tablets in a major campaign to reduce dependency on the prescribed drugs.

Health experts are trying to persuade people to use natural remedies including exercise and milky drinks in order to get a good night's sleep.

They said repeated use of sleeping tablets for long periods could cause health problems including addiction, tolerance, impaired thinking and drowsiness the next day.

Pharmaceutical advisors at Darlington Primary Care Trust have launched a campaign to cut the annual 30,000 prescriptions for sleeping tablets.

The initiative includes educating doctors, patients and residential and nursing home staff, and advising on a host of natural alternatives.

Some surgeries in Darlington - Carmel, Parkgate, Felix House, and Whinfield - are offering sleeping tablet withdrawal clinics and there are plans to increase these across the town.

Trust advisors have also visited the town's elderly homes offering advice on the alternatives.

Anyone wanting more information about coming off sleeping pills should contact their GP, or the trust's pharmaceutical advisors on (01325) 364271.