DEAR DEIDRE: I’M addicted to sleeping pills. I need at least four a night to help me drift off.

Up until a few years ago, I never had a problem with shut-eye.

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I’d be out like a light, and could kip pretty much anywhere – cars, trains, planes. I’m a man of 44.

But when I got promoted last year, I started to struggle to turn my brain off. It’s like as I lie down, my mind speeds up.

I’d lie in bed for hours, making lists of all the other things I could be doing.

A mate suggested I try the Nytol tablets, as they’d really helped him. So I did.

One tablet a night didn’t do anything.

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It’s costing me a fortune, and I know it can’t be good for my health.

DEAR DEIDRE

My lover left her stalker husband and kids for me but now she's having doubts

HOW QUEER

I've fallen out with my sister because she's unsupportive of our gay nephew

POKER FACE

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DEIDRE SAYS: The key step in dealing with an addiction is admitting you have a problem.

Now you need to say the same thing to your doctor. They’ll help wean you off the tablets, and recommend alternatives.

It might also help to reach out to We Are With You (wearewithyou.org.uk), who offer free, confidential advice and run support groups.

Speaking to others who have been through something similar may help.