Unihäiriöt-hoidot
Selatkaa saatavilla olevia unihäiriöt-hoitoja. Kaikki sisältävät itsenäisen EU-lääkärin arvion, aitoja lääkkeitä toimiluvan saaneilta apteekeilta ja huomaamattoman pikatoimituksen.
Unihäiriöt
Diphenhydramine (OTC)
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with sedative properties, commonly used as an over-the-counter sleep aid. Effective for occasional insomnia but can cause next-day drowsiness.
Lormetazepam (Prescription)
Lormetazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic used for severe insomnia. Provides rapid sleep induction with relatively short duration of action. Due to dependence risk, it's reserved for severe cases only.
Melatonin (OTC)
Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. As a supplement, it helps reset the body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Particularly effective for jet lag, shift work sleep disorder, and certain types of insomnia.
Zolpidem (Prescription)
Zolpidem is a prescription sedative-hypnotic medication for short-term treatment of insomnia. Helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Zopiclone (Prescription)
Zopiclone is a prescription non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication for short-term treatment of severe insomnia. Helps both sleep onset and sleep maintenance but carries risk of dependence.
Interested in Unihäiriöt?
Complete a confidential health assessment reviewed by an independent EU-registered doctor.
Start AssessmentSleep disorder treatments in Europe
Sleep disorders represent a significant and growing public health burden across the European Union. Insomnia — characterised by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, with consequent daytime impairment — is estimated to affect between 10% and 30% of the adult European population. When accounting for sub-threshold sleep disturbance, the figure is considerably higher.
The consequences of inadequate sleep extend well beyond fatigue. Chronic insomnia is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. Occupational and road safety risks associated with sleep deprivation impose significant societal costs.
Sleep disorders exist on a spectrum. Transient or short-term insomnia, often related to stress, travel, or life events, frequently resolves without pharmacological intervention. Chronic insomnia — defined as occurring at least three nights per week for at least three months — is a recognised medical condition warranting clinical evaluation and, where appropriate, treatment.
International clinical guidelines, including those from the European Sleep Research Society, recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Pharmacological treatments may be appropriate for short-term management or when CBT-I is unavailable or insufficient. Prescription sleep medications include melatonin (approved for certain indications), and sedative-hypnotic agents (Z-drugs) such as zopiclone and zolpidem.
It is important that any prescription for sleep medication be accompanied by assessment for underlying causes, including sleep apnoea, depression, anxiety, or medication side effects. A qualified, independent doctor is best placed to determine the appropriate treatment pathway.
Available treatments
The following medications may be available for sleep disorders through EU-registered doctors. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Class | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melatonin (prescription) | Melatonin | Chronobiotic hormone | Circadian rhythm disorders, older adults with insomnia |
| Zopiclone | Zopiclone | Z-drug (sedative-hypnotic) | Short-term insomnia |
| Zolpidem | Zolpidem tartrate | Z-drug (sedative-hypnotic) | Short-term insomnia |
Key distinctions:
- Melatonin: A physiological hormone rather than a sedative. Primarily regulates circadian rhythm. EMA-approved for short-term treatment of insomnia in patients over 55, and for jet lag. Lower dependence risk than Z-drugs.
- Zopiclone: A cyclopyrrolone that enhances GABA activity, producing sedation. Standard prescription duration is typically 2–4 weeks. Carries risks of tolerance, dependence, and morning residual sedation.
- Zolpidem: An imidazopyridine with similar mechanism to zopiclone. Sleep-onset focused. European regulators have lowered recommended doses (particularly for women) due to next-morning impairment data.
How to get sleep disorder treatment online
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary. We do not prescribe medications, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform connects patients across Europe with independent EU-registered doctors and licensed pharmacies.
The process:
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Complete a health assessment — Answer a structured set of medical questions covering your sleep patterns, duration of difficulties, sleep environment, mental health history, current medications, and any previous treatment for sleep disorders.
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Independent doctor review — An independent EU-registered doctor reviews your assessment. If a prescription sleep medication is clinically appropriate for a short-term period, the doctor may issue a prescription. If other factors indicate a different approach is warranted, the doctor will advise accordingly.
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Pharmacy fulfilment — If a prescription is issued, it is passed to a licensed EU pharmacy partner. The pharmacy dispenses the medication and arranges delivery to your address.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. Prescribing decisions are made entirely by independent medical professionals. Z-drugs are controlled substances in many EU member states and are subject to strict prescribing restrictions.
How we compare
| Through Prescrivia | In-person GP appointment | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7 online assessment | Subject to appointment availability |
| Wait time | Assessment reviewed within hours | Days to weeks depending on location |
| Travel required | No | Yes |
| Prescribing decision | Made by independent EU-registered doctor | Made by your GP |
| Ongoing monitoring | Supported via follow-up assessments | Managed by your GP |
| Cost | Transparent pricing displayed upfront | Varies by country and healthcare system |
Note: Sleep disorders associated with sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, or significant psychiatric comorbidity require specialist evaluation. Prescrivia’s platform is designed for adults with primary short-term insomnia suitable for remote assessment. Long-term management of chronic insomnia should ideally involve CBT-I delivered by a qualified practitioner.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Circadin (melatonin) — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- Riemann D, et al. European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia. Journal of Sleep Research. 2017;26(6):675-700.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Sleep and health — WHO Fact Sheet. who.int
This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get sleep medication online in Europe?
- Yes. Through Prescrivia, you can complete a health assessment reviewed by an independent EU-registered doctor. Where a prescription sleep medication is clinically appropriate, the doctor may issue a prescription, which is fulfilled by a licensed EU pharmacy.
- What is the difference between melatonin and zopiclone or zolpidem?
- Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Prescription melatonin is primarily used for circadian rhythm disturbances and jet lag, and for older adults with insomnia. Zopiclone and zolpidem are sedative-hypnotic drugs (Z-drugs) that act on GABA receptors to induce sleep. They are more potent and carry greater risk of dependence.
- How long can I take zopiclone or zolpidem?
- Z-drugs such as zopiclone and zolpidem are generally recommended for short-term use only — typically 2 to 4 weeks — due to risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. European clinical guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.
- Is melatonin available without a prescription in Europe?
- Melatonin's regulatory status varies across EU member states. In some countries it is available as an over-the-counter supplement; in others, including Germany and Ireland, prescription-strength melatonin requires a doctor's prescription. An independent doctor can assess what is appropriate for your situation.
- What information do I need to provide for a sleep disorder assessment?
- You will typically be asked about the nature of your sleep difficulties, how long they have persisted, any identified triggers, your current medications, medical history (including mental health history), and whether you have been evaluated for conditions such as sleep apnoea. This allows the reviewing doctor to make a safe clinical decision.
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