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.

Officials 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.

Advisor Linda Neely said: "If sleeping tablets are taken every night over a long period of time, people become used to them, so they no longer work.

"People run the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.

"Sleeping tablets can cause drowsiness the next day which increases the risk of people having a fall or accident if they are driving."

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 old people's homes offering advice on the alternatives.

Ventris and Stanton Halls, which look after 109 residents aged 55 to 101, have only a handful of people using sleeping tablets.

"We found over the years that some residents got used to taking their tablet every night even if they didn't really need them," said managing director Glen Pickersgill.

"What we try and do now is keep residents active so they actually get tired throughout the day and are ready for bed. We have a variety of activities every day with trips out and bingo, quizzes and scrabble.

"If they can use the stairs it is better for them than using the lift, for instance."

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