3-step 'sleep reset' as experts warn one in three struggle with sleep issues

Experts are warning Brits show signs of dealing with a serious sleep issue

Woman lying in bed feeling tired and stressed can't sleep.

Four in ten grapple with headaches after little sleep

A survey of 2,000 adults delved into the nation's sleep habits, posing questions crafted by sleep experts to pinpoint potential problems that could lead to insomnia and sleep disruption. Responses to the sleep queries were analysed using a straightforward scoring method to underscore key patterns - such as how often people found it hard to fall asleep, when they wake up during the night, and how often their sleep quality affects their daily life.

The data revealed that 30% might be grappling with a moderate or severe sleep issue. Scores ranging between 13 and 16 suggest a moderate level of concern - with approximately 21% of respondents falling within this bracket.

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The research was commissioned by Silentnight as part of a national initiative to overhaul the way people approach sleep and aid in removing the obstacles to rest, including the creation of a 3-step sleep reset plan.

Key signs of a serious issue include struggling to fall asleep, frequently waking up during the night, being unable to function during the day, and waking up early in the morning.

The research found 30% of participants wake up several times throughout the night, whilst one in seven find it difficult to fall asleep at all, requiring 30 minutes or longer each time, and 19% reported their sleep deprivation affects their daily activities, including work performance and general focus, on a daily basis.

More than half of those surveyed recognised that sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing. However, despite this understanding, 24% have resigned themselves to constantly feeling exhausted, with a third acknowledging that sleep has become deprioritised in our fast-paced contemporary society.

Silentnight's sleep specialist, Kathryn Pinkham, commented: "It's a real concern that sleep problems have never been greater, yet the advice so often shared doesn't address the root causes. We're constantly told how important sleep is, but the quick fixes and generic tips simply aren't enough.

"Our call for a 'Great British Sleep Reset' highlights how poor sleep impacts not just how we feel, but how we function day to day."

The primary concerns preventing people from sleeping included health anxieties, personal money troubles, or relationship difficulties. Meanwhile, as many as 30% lay awake dwelling on things they had said or done during the day that they wished they could take back.

Life moments which have impacted the nation's ability to get a decent kip were found to include job interviews (30%), moving home (23%), and for 28% of women, the menopause.

Due to a lack of sleep, 40% have grappled with headaches and an equal percentage have found their productivity levels dropping.

For 37%, heightened emotions or irritability have caused issues, while three in ten have battled feelings of anxiety and 21% have made poor dietary choices. According to figures from OnePoll.com, 17% have made avoidable errors at work due to insufficient sleep.

Kathryn Pinkham, Silentnight's sleep expert, commented: "There is so much misinformation out there that it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start.

"But by focusing on evidence-based techniques and simple, achievable steps, we can genuinely improve the quality of our rest.

"That's why we've developed the 3-step reset plan - designed to break the cycle of poor sleep by resetting your mind, body and lifestyle. The result? Feeling more energised, motivated, and better equipped to look after ourselves and our wellbeing."

TOP 10 OUTCOMES FROM A LACK OF SLEEP:

Headaches

Not feeling as productive as I want to be

Feeling emotional or irritable

Forgetting things

Falling asleep during the day

Feeling anxious

Poor diet choices

Feelings of soreness in my body

Arguments

Making mistakes at work