Mike The Situation' Sorrentino is in rehab because of a "prescription pill problem", it has been reported.

It was revealed last night that the Jersey Shore star is currently in an inpatient treatment programme for "much needed rest and recuperation".

There have been claims that Mike is receiving treatment for substance abuse, and now Radar Online is reporting the TV personality checked himself into rehab because of an addiction to prescription pills.

"[Mike has] become dependent on prescription pills to counter-act other his hard partying lifestyle, which included illegal substances. Mike was in a vicious cycle of not sleeping because of the illegal substances that he was taking, so he began using prescription pills to help him sleep," a source revealed to the publication.

"Mike would refer to the prescriptions pills as 'downers'. The good news is that he was the one that wanted to get help and checked into rehab. Hopefully with the proper treatment, Mike will be able to lead a sober life."

Mike's representative had previously told the website that the 29-year-old star was being treated for exhaustion. The spokesperson insisted the hard-partying personality had become tired following his hectic schedule.

"He is not in rehab for substance abuse. He has spent the last several weeks at an undisclosed location for much needed rest and recuperation after his extensive production and appearance schedule," the rep said.

It was recently revealed that MTV hit show Jersey Shore will return for a sixth season. The insider added that Mike has not committed fully to the filming schedule as yet.

"It's unclear right now if Mike will be part of the cast when filming resumes this summer, he has told people he absolutely wants to do it, but it's just too soon to be able to say definitively if he will be at the shore this summer," the source added.