Football’s sleeping pills addiction
When recovery turns into reliance
According to The Athletic’s investigation by football reporter Tom Burrows, the modern game places exceptional physical and mental strain on players. Long travel days, late night matches and constant performance pressure leave little room for proper rest, making sleep a persistent challenge across the sport.
Within that environment, sleep medication has become an accessible solution. What often begins as short term relief after injury or intense competition can quietly escalate into habitual use.
Omar Bogle’s descent into dependency
Omar Bogle, a striker at Crewe Alexandra, described to The Athletic how his own struggle began after fracturing his back during pre season in 2024. The pain disrupted his sleep, and medication initially appeared to offer relief.
“I had a six month period when it was just crazy, my usage was ridiculous,” Bogle said, recalling episodes of blackouts and conversations he could not remember.
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As his tolerance increased, the pills stopped working as intended. His intake rose, and the effects spilled into every part of his life.
“But then it becomes about the feeling that it gives you,” Bogle said. “They make you feel euphoric… You get addicted to the feeling then.”
A struggle kept out of sight
Bogle said that those around him were unaware of how severe his usage had become. According to his account, he was taking large amounts of benzodiazepines and zopiclone, often without medical oversight.
“I never told anyone I was popping 18 or 19 of the things in the night,” he said. “I was in La La Land.”
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The impact was immediate and damaging. His relationships suffered, his behaviour changed and his physical condition declined. Injuries became more frequent, recovery slower, and his performances dropped to the point where he feared his career might end at 31.
A pattern across the professional game
According to The Athletic, Bogle’s experience is far from unique. Several current and former players have publicly discussed similar struggles, including Jonjo Shelvey, Darron Gibson, Christian Norgaard and Dele Alli.
Behavioural sleep expert James Wilson told The Athletic that regular use of sleeping pills is common at many clubs. Former Northampton Town defender Ryan Cresswell described the issue as widespread and said he reached what he called rock bottom during his own addiction.
Why footballers are vulnerable
Experts interviewed by The Athletic pointed to congested calendars, international travel and late kick offs as major contributors. Geoff Scott, former head of medicine and sports science at Tottenham Hotspur, said players often struggle to mentally switch off after matches.
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Sleep medication can appear to be an easy answer, he said, but may interfere with recovery and increase the risk of injury rather than reduce it.
Anna West, a sleep and recovery specialist who has worked with Premier League clubs, told The Athletic that education should take priority over medication. She said players need tools to manage poor sleep without developing dependence on pills.
A warning shaped by experience
After undergoing rehab, Bogle has returned to action and is once again playing for Crewe Alexandra. Reflecting on his experience, he offered a clear message to others in the game.
“Be careful of how potent they can be and how easy it is to get addicted,” he said.
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His story, reported by The Athletic, highlights a broader issue within football, one rooted not in individual weakness but in a system that often prioritises availability over wellbeing.
Sources: The Athletic, reporting by Tom Burrows
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