BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has candidly discussed her personal struggle with chronic insomnia, revealing she once relied heavily on prescription sleeping tablets before finding a natural alternative. The 55-year-old broadcaster shared her experience during a recent episode of her 'Dig It' podcast with co-host Jo Whiley, offering support and a potential solution to a sleepless listener.
From Sleeping Tablets to a Natural Aid
During the podcast, a listener named Alison wrote in, explaining she listens to the show at 3am because she cannot sleep, having tried everything from medication and meditation apps to sleeping in a separate room from her partner. In a heartfelt response, Zoe confessed she deeply understood the frustration. "I used to really struggle to sleep, and yeah, I used to take a lot of sleeping tablets," Ball admitted.
She also highlighted the associated risks, noting that long-term use of such tablets can increase the risk of dementia. This worry, she explained, often creates a vicious cycle where the anxiety about not sleeping itself prevents rest. Zoe then revealed the one change that made a significant difference for her: "Once I started taking magnesium at night, I found that really helped."
She further disclosed that she has been bathing in magnesium salts, acknowledging that while she isn't entirely sure of the science behind it, the combination has been effective in managing her insomnia.
A Broader Context of Health and Wellbeing
This is not the first time Zoe Ball has been open about her health challenges. Last month, she spoke candidly on the same podcast about her 'horrific' experience with menopause. She described suffering from severe anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty breathing, and low mood while hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
To manage these symptoms, Ball detailed her current treatment, which includes using a bioidentical hormone gel and taking progesterone daily. "Once I sussed out that was a major cause... I did go on anti-depressants for a while for my anxiety, but I'm off those now," she shared, adding that she now feels "so level" hormonally.
Her health journey has also been marked by personal grief, having taken time off from her radio show following the death of her mother, Julia, from pancreatic cancer in April 2024.
Understanding Insomnia and Finding Relief
Insomnia, defined as the persistent inability to fall or stay asleep despite being tired, can have symptoms like waking up multiple times a night and lying awake for long periods. Common triggers include stress, anxiety, depression, and environmental factors like an uncomfortable bed or consuming caffeine and alcohol.
For those struggling with sleep, experts often recommend establishing a consistent routine. Key strategies include:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Incorporating calming activities like breathing exercises or meditation before bed.
- Having a tech-free hour before sleep.
While medication can help break short periods of insomnia, as in Zoe Ball's case, exploring natural remedies and addressing underlying causes, such as hormonal changes or stress, can lead to more sustainable sleep solutions.
