Recent reports suggest that Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) have barred the use of several kinds of sleeping pills, after it was disclosed that majority of the cream athletes were highly dependent on these pills for long time.

It has been reported that AOC has unveiled its banned list of sleeping pills, which include zolpidem, nitrazepam (sold as Mogadon) and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). Further, they have declared that athletes will be provided with the pills only in case, the situation is worse. Nevertheless, they have clarified that the athletes will only be allowed to take temazepam, sold as Restoril and Normison, at least at the Olympic Games.

However, the story doesn't end here. If athletes kept aside, almost half of the population of Australia some time or the other face insomnia, then what to suggest? Recommend them a sleeping pill or not?

Medical experts suggest that the recommendation of the sleeping pills is dependent on the severity of the case. They proposed that in a few cases, it is necessary to give the patients sleeping pill. However, the solution for sure is not for long-terms.

"It's not unreasonable to prescribe the drugs for a few days or weeks if there is a reason for it", says Professor Drew Dawson.