Current Premier League captain feared he would develop into hooked on sleeping drugs after admitting that he ‘undoubtedly abused them’

A current Premier League star has revealed his fears over becoming addicted to sleeping pills as he admitted that he ‘definitely abused them’. 

The individual spoke candidly about his dependence upon the medication for a season during his playing career. 

He said he turned to the tablets after experiencing anxiety over whether a lack of sleep would affect his on-field performances. 

The player in question is Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, who shared how began experiencing issues with his sleep patterns while playing for Brondy in his native Denmark. 

During his time at the club, Norgaard said he would ‘struggle with [being able to] fall asleep’ prior to a big game. 

Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of World Sleep Day day on Friday, the 31-year-old said he was overcome with emotion after hearing of the struggles endured by fellow professional footballer Dele Alli. 

A current Premier League star has revealed his fears over becoming addicted to sleeping pills

It comes after Dele Alli revealed in July 2023 that he had spent six weeks in rehab because of mental health troubles and developing a sleeping pill addiction 

Alli, 28, revealed in July 2023 that he had spent six weeks in rehab because of mental health troubles and developing a sleeping pill addiction. 

After watching Alli’s interview, Norgaard said: ‘I watched Dele Alli’s interview, maybe a year back now, where he spoke about sleeping tablets.

‘It was tough to watch but it was also touching and it was quite emotional for someone like me who struggled a lot with it.

‘And maybe could have ended up being addicted to these sleeping tablets.’

The Danish international also paid tribute to Brentford’s ‘sleep coach’ Anna West – who has occupied the role since 2019.

Norgaard also emphasised his gratitude towards Alli – who is now plying his trade with Italian side Como. 

The Brentford skipper added: ‘I remember also sending a text to our sleeping coach Anna to say thank you for the things we’ve been working on because this is a clear picture of how bad it can go.’ 

Christian Norgaard shared how began experiencing issues with his sleep patterns while playing for Brondy in his native Denmark

‘It’s a topic that has maybe been going a bit under the radar. I think now it’s getting emphasised, not only in football but in general, how important it is.

‘I needed some routines. So I bring my own pillow to every away game.

‘It can be like a hot shower before I go to bed, a cup of tea, these small things. Reading a book. A few bits that helped me quite a lot to unwind.

‘That has been my problem, it has been overthinking stuff. I have felt it really hard to sleep.’