Brits are forking out £8 billion to counteract a lack of sleep, new research has revealed.
With the average adult struggling to get more than six hours sleep a night – almost two hours less than the recommended quota – we are been forced to shell out hefty sums on sleep aids and things to make us look and feel less tired.
From espressos to sweets and energy drinks, the “staying awake” market is positively booming in Britain.
A third of adults drink more coffee than usual to hide their tiredness while 12 per cent rely on sweet treats.
One in ten tired Brits turn to energy drinks to help them get through the day whilst one in twenty take a supplement to keep them going.
And with stress combining to make a viscous cocktail of sleepless nights, the sleep aide market is also on the up.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman said: “Our sleeping habits have radically changed over the last decade.
“Nowadays, due to the convenience of smart phones, bedtime is now a time to work, shop, socialise and basically cram more activities into our lives; which can affect the length and quality of our sleep.”
Researchers found 41 per cent of adults say they don’t have great sleep, with just one in ten saying they sleep well.
After nodding off at 11.11pm on a weeknight and 11.34pm on a weekend, Brits will get a total of just six hours and 14 minutes’ sleep before waking up again.
During the night, the average adult also wakes up twice, lying awake for 18 minutes a time – 36 minutes a night – trying to get back to sleep.
Brits also spend an average of two nights a week struggling to get to sleep and will toss and turn each night for an hour and 32 minutes before they finally drop off.
Whilst a quarter of adults admit to drinking tea or coffee within an hour of going to bed and 22 per cent regularly fall asleep with their TV on.
Worryingly, 27 per cent of respondents reported that their tiredness leads to rows with their partner, almost one in four make mistakes at work and one in ten have even fallen asleep in the office.
The report also found the nation’s most sleep derived Britons can be found in Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Belfast and Liverpool.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman, added: “We recognise that our sleeping habits have changed and based on customer feedback, we have launched a new room concept called the SuperRoom.
“This room has been designed around our modern sleeping habits and encompasses all the key elements to help attain a good night sleep.
“This includes a more residential décor with a colour scheme to help you relax and aid sleep. A comfy king-size bed, mood lighting and black out curtains.
“It also includes lots of power & USB points within the room for all of our devices, a Lavazza fresh pod coffee machine and a Hansgrohe Rain dance shower to help your feel refreshed in the morning.”
Top ten most sleep-deprived cities:
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Bristol
- Belfast
- Liverpool
- Reading
- Norfolk
- Nottingham
- Glasgow
- Leeds
