A woman who went for a nap and never woke up died after taking a morphine overdose, an inquest heard.

Joanne McTaggart, who was 49, was found dead at her home in Westcliff by her husband.

The inquest into her death opened at Chelmsford Coroners’ Court on Friday morning to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

The court heard that at about midday on June 7, Joanne told her husband that she was going for a nap upstairs in their home.

But sadly when her husband tried to wake her later that day, she failed to respond.

Paramedics and police attended the home and her death was confirmed as not suspicious.

Joanne had a history of depression and anxiety and she was also known to the Essex Partnership Trust.

Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: “She was taking lots of medication – painkillers.

“Joanne’s husband confirmed that she took medication for pain relief because she had a jaw problem.”

A post mortem examination was conducted at Southend Hospital. Toxicology and histology tests were also taken.

Mrs Beasley-Murray added: “Joanne McTaggart died at her home address.

“The pathologist who carried out the post mortem examination has given the cause of death as drug overdose.

“The police concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances.

“The court has considered suicide but to record that, the court would have to be sure that Mrs McTaggart formed the intention and took a deliberate action knowing that it would result in her death and I’m not sure.

“The court has considered whether it was an accident which is a lower standard of proof but I’m not recording an accident.

“I’m going to record an open verdict and please could sympathy be expressed to Mr McTaggart.”

Friends took to Facebook to express their condolences.

One friend, Shelly Francis said: “RIP Jo. Thank you for your friendship. You were a lovely lady. Sleep tight angel.”

Another friend Ann-Marie Osborne added: “Rip beautiful lady. Still in complete shock. Going to miss you loads. Lots of love to you and your family.”