Just read this article. I have never taken sleeping pills and have to plans to. Right now the only drugs I take are the usual caffein, nicotine, and alcohol. But I thought that the comment made by Shena Parthab was very enlightening.

James Doles, Hammond, Louisiana

At least Robbie has the decency not to drive!

PAM MCFADYEN, Nelson BB98EE, UK

My father has worked for Walgreen's for over 30 years as a "chemist." He too is made sick of the amount of drugs people are hooked on. The amount of prozak, sleeping pills and viagra prescriptions he fills a day would make your head spin. He, and I, are in total agreement that when these drugged up idiots drive their cars, and then get home, are a severe danger to society. But look how many there are!
One day something is going to give.

John Boyadjian, Chicago, IL, USA

I recognise the film you had such trouble with: it was "the Departed" and has just won Best Film at the Oscars. I had trouble with it, too. I may have fallen asleep at one point: I can't remember. But it was a puzzle as to who was who when the young people all looked alike. Well, the men did anyway! I could figure out Jack Nicholson scenery chewing with barely supressed delight. I wasn't on any pills either: I was just tired. I've been on pills to relieve depression/ psychotic episodes and they are a nightmare. Like walking inside a feather pillow. Never again, if i can help it!

Carlyle Braden, Croydon, U.K.

it's so true, we want a quick fix pill that wil do everything for us.

maybe one day one of those huge big super companies like microsoft wil make one that takes over everything in our lives, and then they'll rule the world with everyone acting like robots coz they're high on pro-plus

coffee is the answer to getting through the next day on not much sleep.

or is that a quick fix too?

Lee, Wirral,

I have never tried drugs, they were not common in my country when I was a kid, I guess this is one of the advantages of dictatorship. I have friends overseas who say drugs in their culture are just like religion in mine. Once I read this article I forwarded it to them, hopefully this could open their eyes. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Linda, Baghdad, Iraq

Its true, Britian is becoming a nation of quick fix, pill heads.
What has happened to will power??

Chrome Mantis, Lichfield, UK

Try travelling coach, Mr Clarkson

JJ Spader, LOndon,

People taking sleeping pills, anti-depressents without any major issue i.e walking out alive from a major car crash and losing some people very close to them. Just have such a low amount of will power. It is the easy way out!

I agree that you can become depressed for no reason, but many Doctors are too quick with the drugs and not looking to help and find the cause making someone depressed.

Callum, Glasgow, Scotland

i totally agree with you mr jeremy clarkson

Billi Bob Clarkson, liverpool, england

You're obviously taking the wrong drugs then Jeremy

Howard Gethin, Moscow, Russia

It is a skill to be content as a not-by-choice Spinster.

Athanasia PARAS, Sydney, Australia.

Sleeping pills are definitely dangerous but work for some. I have been on Remeron, an anti-depressent with a strong sedative effect for 8 months now curing depression, IBS, insomnia and fatigue. I had previously spent 18 months trying to fight depression the natural way using diet, exercise, St John's Wort all to no effect. My life is fun, I earn lots of money and have a lovely fiancee so why the hell was I depressed? Sometimes the brain does odd things.

Oddly, if I so much as drink half a cup of coffee I end up buzzing around the light bulb like a crazed amphetamine addict but strong sleeping tablets leave me refreshed and awake the next day. Guess we are all different.

Chris , Beijing, China

Good!
How people choose to live their lives is their own choice.

It is of no concern to politician unable to stop meddling in our affairs and with our lives.

Per Mohn, Oslo, Norway

The war on drugs is the longest running war in history, and the authorities are no closer to winning then when they started.

Let's all just smoke a little spliff and not worry too much

Victor Marshall, Sydney, Australia

I can't imagine why someone would tke pills to cure insomnia. I fall asleep anytime I hit my bed, only to wake up at 2am and never to sleep till the next night. Even if I sleep at 1am, I'm up an hour later. But I don't take pills (and counting sheep does't work I can assure you), If you need an excuse to use drugs, please do not insult us insomniacs by blaming it on your inability to sleep. I believe life is short and sleeping seems shorter but I wouldn't change it for anything. Not even for quick fix

Gabby, Lagos, Nigeria

I only have trouble with this view because in the modern welfare state we (the society) either directly or indirectly pick up the bill in medical or other costs. Eliminate the welfare state and I support making drugs legal. By the way, the welfare state can make illegal transfats, ice cream, pie, cigarettes and anything else that we like. . That is a much greater outrage for some of us.

As long as we expect politicians to be in motion they will be seeking ways to either spend more money or make more things illegal. We need to go back to parttime legislatures to cut back on both activities.

Dick, solana beach, USA/CA

Hi Jeremy,

Just watched the re-run of the latest Top Gear, and enjoyed it as always.

Hearing your reference to the fact that the Koreans eat dogs, I wondered how you could possibly have missed the news about the latest Korean vegetarian snack food?

Not-poodle?

Terrible I know, but it amused me.

Best regards. I don't often agree with anything you say, but nevertheless enjoy reading your articles and books..

Ian Kirkman, Chester, UK

Demonizing and Illegalizing drugs is the world greatest problem. The Prohibition showed us that you create more victims and more crime.

Legalize it and inform the public in a realistic way and you get rid of 80% of the crime.

spacecowboy, amsterdam, Holland

You're barking mad, but very funny to read!

Richard DM, Nuneaton, UK

As a pharmacist I'd be interested to know which antihistamines jeremy took (but that's cuz i'm supposed to be curious). I too feel benzodiazepines in particular are prescribed too frequently for patients as any easy fix for an often very complicated problem of insomnia usually linked to personal life issues. In some cases these agents in small doses for short periods of time are useful but patients must be aware of the side-effects and I cannot condone jeremy driving when clearly under the influence of these medications. All of these medications clearly state in the product information leaflet that they can cause drowsiness (hardly suprising given what they are being used for) and that one should not drive or operate heavy machinary if affected by this.
I feel driving under the influence of such drugs should be taken as seriously as drink driving, although its more difficult to prove.

James, Nottingham,

stick to the herbs....
And no, I'm not talking about cannabis.
I too suffer from sleeping problems. During a bad spell, I'm lucky if I can get a full 4 hours.
The best cure I have found has few side effects and comesin the form of Herbal Nytol. It's slightly less convenient than the chemical tablets in that you have to take it a good half hour or so before you want to go to sleep, but the lack of side effects in the morning more than make up for it!

Abbi, Nottingham, UK

Hey

why can't everyone be like Jeremy, your views are sound.

Great MPH show by the way!

Brent Dickinson, Eastleigh, England

I agree with Jeremy. Anyone who suffers from insomnia should be referred to a therapist to investigate the root cause of the problem - not be sent home with a bottle of mind-altering drugs.

My mother lives in New Zealand and she nearly died in an accident that was a direct result of her taking Halcyon – a drug which is thankfully banned by the NHS.

I would encourage anyone who is struggling with insomnia to identify the root cause (e.g. stress, depression etc) rather than treating the symptom.

Suzy, Leeds, UK

Forget drugs, they don't last long enough, have too many negative effects, can lead to bad sex partner decisions, and are too damn expensive. Oh and the Polizei might catch you, especially in America because a drug user here, is more dangerous than a serial killer. Anyways, this is why I'm content with a cup of strong coffee.

As for sleeping pills, I can see the point in taking them if I'm getting on a long flight. Besides I can't afford to fly first class, and passangers next to me tend to be way too chatty for my liking. Such as a story of how they got a new Buick Lucerne and how wonderful it is. I'm sorry, but unless a passenger next time is a big shot, I simply cannot be bothered.

I wish peace, money, and gorgeous women to all!

Rodion, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Exactly the same thing happened to me. I was given a 'light dose' sleeping pill, popped the damn thing and drifted into a parallel life where I was living in cotton wool hell and couldn't move. I think it was the next day that I was able to get out of bed but I'm still not sure. I was able to walk a bit but I, for the life of me, I didn't understand the language that my family and friends were speaking. I think they had become fluent in Esperanto or something. This lasted two days - never again...

Dave Roberts, North Scotland , UK

There aren't enough negative words in the English language to express my loathing for drug users.They are all losers.
As for you ,Clarkson,anyone who would take two pills from a complete stranger,pops them in his mouth and swallow them,gets exactly what he deserves.You were lucky this time,you may not be so lucky next time.

RON, topsham,

Jules, Truro. Do not diss Jeremy Clarkson. He is funnier than Russell Brand will ever be.

Pete, Cov,

just a minor point, the lovely girl who gave you those pills was bending a very nice little truth, which is that certain types of sleeping pills and antihistamines are the exact same chemical compound. I don't know what it would be called in Britian, but the chemical diphenhydramine hcl is sold in america both as benadryl (antihistamine) and as a sleeping pill; and is most likely what she gave you a mess of.

nicole, el paso, texas

Legalise drugs and the illegal trade will disappear and with it the dealers. Neither would not exist were there not a ready market which cannot be supplied legally. In a free society people should have their own choice about drugs, tobacco, alcohol etc but should understand that the benefits of the NHS should not be made available for self inflicted stimulant damage.

Martin Paling, London,

LOL

Jeremy is a bloody comedian, and that's all there is to say about his glorious opinions (on anything).

I've done the sleeping pill thing before (and with good reason at the time), and never had so much as a bit of trouble waking up the next morning. But I've also seen my mother after taking anything stronger than a couple of paracetamol. (Lets just say, some people should stay away from the medicine cabinent.)

Anyways, cheers Jeremy for the entertainment.

Danielle, Sydney, Australia

Jeremy Clarkson is one of those people that you either love or hate, personally I like him and I think that he is able to bring humour to any circumstance. I have at one point in my life taken sleeping pills, as I was very stressed but at that time with exams I also drank a lot of coffee during the day in order to stay awake, looking back on it I was relived that they existed when I need them, but I would never take them for a long period of time, I have trouble sleeping sometimes but unless I have been unable to sleep for 48 hours I would not take them. There are times in every person’s life where it helps to have something to help get though the rough patches but I understand what Clarkson says about the trouble in waking up the next morning no matter when the packaging says about waking up refreshed, when I was taking sleeping pills I did feel like a zombie, but I was also doing exams at the time, so that have been why I felt like a zombie.

bob, edinburgh,

It appears the same half of the population that takes drugs is also the same half that has lost their sense of humor. Are there pills to cure scolds?

And how can Jeremy - or anyone - be 'deeply superfical?' If he is, where can I get some of that so I can be weathly and drive other peoples' cars just like him.

Doug Collman, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.

I don't know what to say it must either be that you are a clean living sort of a bloke who has never sampled any substances such as caffeine or nicotine etc which to be fair would be a stretch of the imagination.Or that you have an amazingly low tolerance of medication, if you got that sort of effect off anti histamine don't ever have a general anaesthetic you'll be out for a month, I don't suppose that maybe you had a touch of jet lag or something similar?

Joanne, preston, lancs

Clarkson, do not diss Russell Brand. He is funnier than you'll ever be.

Jules, Truro,

I have learned that everything in life has a beautifully balanced opposite - dark-light; black-white, etc - and everything in between. Balancing betwixt is an important word - 'discrimination'. Yes, thats right - we choose - we must discriminate. Often, there is too little of something - other times, too much. Including drugs. From the spiritual perspective, our human birth is a priceless gift - the purpose is self-realisation which can only be achieved within a human body. The key is discrimination. Take only that & only in the necessary quantity to protect this precious gift. Including drugs. We are Travellers, come only to wonder at Creation & open our spirits to the Supreme Being. Soon we must leave. Let us tread our paths with both joy & reverence - for each other and our own bodies. We are part of each other and tiny sparks of the Supreme Spirit that owns all creation.

Shena Parthab, Kullu, India

What people do in their homes is their thing. But today, unfortunately, we are all exposed to the consequences of people on drugs -- teenagers racing their cars through busy streets while high or committing acts of vandalism, etc.

Society is already paying a steep price. Let's not forget either that scientists have found that smoking pot on a regular basis diminishes a user's cognitive skills permanently (!).

In other words, we're allowing the creation of an army of "zombies" who will be "retarded" for the rest of their lives, and we all, as society, we'll be paying the price for it.

Werner Patels, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Am I being obtuse or is Mr, Cyrnik presenting the ultimate paradox.? I cannot for the life of me see how one can be 'deeply superficial'

alan burden, Mijas, Spain

Just be grateful you don't live in America, Jeremy. Here we are bombarded with commercials for sleeping pills. One in particular opens with the line that "more than half of adults in America suffer symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights a week".

So that's it. More than half of Americans are dysfunctional and need sleep medication. It's no wonder America consumes more than 40% of the world's pharmaceutical spend.

It's perfectly normal to wake up between 15 and 35 times a night. Let's resist the marketing and stop pretending that popping pills is always the answer to making our lives better.

Chris, New York, USA

I think all drugs should be legalised. If people wish to push mind altering substances into their bodies, then that is a matter of personal choice. Besides, I cannot think of a more severe blow to organise crime than simply being able to buy cocaine at Boots.

The only thing that should be made illegal is serving Vodka and Red Bull in the same glass. I feel I must warn people of the dangers of becoming more drunk and more awake at the same time. This is especially dangerous if you have a credit card and find yourself in Spearmint Rhino.

Chris Long, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

My Grandad Smoked 60 Capstan (full Strength) a day and a bottle of Scotch, he slept 2 hours per night and slept with numerous young fillies.....and he lived to the ripe old age of..............33!.

Daryl Evans, Melksham, Wiltshire

I love Clarkson...no really I do! He speaks with the absolute certainty only ever visited on the unknowing, and manages to be patronising and sanctimonious, often in the same sentence...like having a male version of Eddy from AbFab as your Dad. In fact the very epitome of a Conservative MP.
I don't take drugs other than those legally prescribed by the NHS or Wetherspoons; However, Clarkson could drive me to illegal substance abuse, just to sample whether psychodelia was any less bizarre then his grasp of normality.
Clarkson is too young to be my Dad ( I am older than he), but he is old enough to be Russel Brand's Dad!!!

Bernie Jones, Mold, UK

Brilliant as usual. Just remember that life is a problem for people who can't handle their drugs.

Nicholas Gardner, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Excellent , Excellent article. You should be on the lecture circuit in Canada. As they would say "" Right on the mark "", your observations are sadly true yet no one speaks on this issue. We are all told to be polite.

JERRY MCCULLOUGH, Toronto, CANADA

Sadly, Jeremy Clarkson is one of those overpaid misfits that inhabit our television screens all too frequently. This kind of mindless human is insulated from the appalling situations that many face, having to deal with drugs and their consequences. He of course, regularly reminds us of how much he can afford to spend on cars, and therefore he is unlikely to be the most responsible of people.

This man is deeply superficial, and has nothing useful to contribute to this debate. His level of deep thinking extends no further that his right foot!

Try some decent reading Jeremy!

Chris F J Cyrnik, Notts,

I notice that even Mel Gibson has 'checked in' with the throw away line of wishing everyone to 'help him on his path to healing'. Robbie Williams in rehab, Britney Spears depilation.....in rehab, the list is endless. One can only assume that the rich road to rehab is in part fuelled by the general publics' insistence in showing too much interest in these people. If Robbie, or Britney, or Mel thought that nobody cared for their well being any more than random teenagers from the North London sink estates, they probably wouldn't take the drugs in the first place. The irony is that teenagers from slums actually have something to be depressed about! My message is clear. The Stars should feel free to cram as many chemicals into their bodies as they wish - just do it quietly. It really isn't big or clever and rehab doesn't impress anyone.

Chris Fomes, Taunton, Somerset

Could you please put names like "Russell Brand" in hyper-text, so we can get some idea of who these people are.

Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.

Clarkson tells it how it is once again. Only the sort of person i have little time for would find something to argue with in that article.

Edmund, how the hell do you sleep listeing to the Black Keys ?!!!

ultra, Norwich, UK

Look Jeremy you are usually the sanest broadcaster on the planet. However not this time (maybe you need a new pair of underpants? I dunno). Without my cocktail of pills (some stronger than ur average temaze) I'm like on the confused couch ALL day. In fact on Monday I was on on it for over 8 hours! I don't understand english or nothing!

So if you want me to keep bowing the knee to King Clarkson and stuff I suggest you don't remove my prescription drugs without first considering my euthansia/finding me a nursing home at the age of 30. I mean how many other 30 somethings to you know who have to be reminded how to make a cup of engine oil (instant coffee) and get lost in their lounge (aka my spaceship ;).
Exactly!

Johanino, Aberdeen (oh and me spaceship),

WhHy is in the UK we are handed pills for everything, rather than finding more natural remedy, better to be awake and groggy than Zombiefied!

Imogen-Rose,, Canterbury, KENT

J Clarkson your a Government hack no comment on the petition against road Pricing no mention of the Car party. People should put you in the Government hack out tray and boycott your programme as you are a traitor to the general motorist

Stephen Harrison, Bridgnorth, united kingdom

jeremy should try recording, then watching, an 'Emmerdale' omnibus; it's a guaranteed cure for insomnia. Mind you, you just might have to go to casualty to have chunks of TV screen removed from your fists.

chris, stamford, lincs., England.

I must complain about the comparison of Russell Brand and toothpaste.
Toothpaste is very usefull & has some interesting information on the packet that can keep you amused for a couple of minutes.

D Jenkinson, Staffordshire,

In spite of being known to indulge in the odd less legal 'pep up' my self, I'm totally with you on sleeping pills, the only occassions I've ever used them have left me felling like my body and brain have chosen different time zones to exist in for about two days, and all without the 'fun' their less legal cousins can bring.

Steve Williams, London,

I was once given tablets to help me sleep, I went to bed at 6pm, and woke up at 12.30 pm the next day. 18 hours of "proper" sleep, and woke up feeling tired!!!!!! If i feel tired or need a good nights sleep i cut out caffine for that day, and it works.

Of course Robbie will need some help sleeping at night, he drinks redbull like they are going to ban it, and more espresso than a very tired italian cafe owner.

Rebecca, Northampton,

Jeremy, you need to detox your liver. I have and now I feel great!

Adrian Gilbert, Tonbridge, England

Pills, 60 fags, and 20 red bulls! what a diet, no wonder Jeremy is obsessed with his health.
Stck to speed and adrenaline before its too late!

roy vigus, Ware, Uk

I used to be on anti-histamenes for allergies until I found out a runny nose is better than being a zombie!

John Caulfield, Galway, Ireland

The first complaint I have read about sleeping through the in-flight catering...

Dave Spinks, Folkestone, Kent UK

An excellent article, well up to the usual standard. However, I must take issue with the notion that any doctor would be capable of removing all of Mr Clarkson's spleen.

Paul, Southampton,

Is life so stressful that these celebs have to resort to pills? I always thought that 2 red bulls were the maximum allowed and this guy downed 20 regularly. I think its a publicity stunt, no more.

Hamad Lone, expat-Brit, Saudi Arabia

I listen to music when I turn off the lights, using an MP3 player and earphones, it works every time and I can't sleep without it. Last night I dozed off with The Black Keys pounding in my ears - you just can't beat it.

Edmund, Kent, UK

Sleeping pills truley explain the phenomen that was the rover 25.

Q Why would you by a rover 25 at all ?
A Your off your tits on sleepy byebye's.

Q Why are all Rover 25's driven my people who seemily are disconnected from everything and everyone?
A Because they are!

rob cook, york, north yorkshire

Although amusing this is a worrying but accurate account of what happens to those who do take , 'mind altering ' drugs , for what ever reason.
I have found alcohol & or sugar, to be the main offenders of poor sleep.

Sugar is a stimulant, a hidden ingredient in so many dishes [ not only puddings,] we all know about coffee. But, alcohol , say more than 1 large glass of red wine , will almost certainly mean you wake after 4 hours & have trouble drifting off again.
Since changing my eating habits, my sleep is reliable & refreshing.
Try it Jeremy you wont need all that smoking primrose oil.

Maggie Millington, Brittany, France

If Russell Brand = toothpaste then one can only assume that Jeremy Clarkson = Denture 'soak'. Take some more pills Clarkson....

Jo, Stockholm, Sweden

May one ask the question of why your plane had a paramedic offering you antihistamine tablets? Either Hamster cannot travel without his own medical team or BA have upgraded their service since the last time I flew in Club World.

Steve Ferris, Sherborne, Dorset

I must take issue with your comparision of the comic talents of Russell Brand and toothpaste. This is grossly unfair to oral hygiene products.

Andrew Thomas, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire UK

every time i read a J.Clarkson article I think he must have taken a lot of something at some point in his life....

andrew walworth, nr Berkhamsted, UK

and they still have the vote as well, don't forget that!!

matt, southampton, hampshire

An insightful , correct & scary assessment of the current "life: be out of it " scene extant in far too many people !

theodore potts, st. ives, australia