Better sleep improves your health. Sleep is a huge part of our lives; it helps us function, and it’s something we probably all look forward to at the end of a long day! Sleep seems to make everything better, whether you’re unwell or simply just worn out. However, great sleep isn’t always so easy to come by. There are so many different factors that can affect our sleeping pattern, and it seems in Britain we have a particularly hard time finding the right conditions in which to sleep peacefully.
As a nation, sleep is something that evades us very quickly if we’re not careful. Bad habits before bed, or even not eating the right food can all impact how we sleep through the night. Waking up groggy is something we all dread, and often forces us to look into different ways of sleeping; whether it’s through taking up exercise, changing your diet or turning off that phone. So, let’s take a look at the country’s sleep habits; see if you’re in a similar position!
Are We Getting Enough Sleep?
Just one bad night’s sleep could be the difference between feeling awful and feeling on top of the world. You’ll probably find that you’re more irritable and unable to focus which isn’t great if you have a big day ahead of you.
The Sleep Council carried out a survey on around 5000 UK adults in 2013 to get an idea of what factors affect our sleep quality. They found that around 70% of people sleep for 7 hours or less, but more than a quarter of us are experiencing poor quality sleep on a regular basis. More than 4 in 10 Britons feel particularly positive after a good night’s sleep, which goes to show how important it is to get some sleep!
However, a third of Britons sleep for only 5-6 hours a night which is much less than the recommended amount. To put it into perspective, those who suffer from insomnia sleep for less than 5 hours on average.
It appears that men seem to get better sleep than women, while sleep quality declines as you get older. 45-54 year olds appear to be the most sleep deprived age group, while younger people claim to sleep well.
Disturbed sleep is another big problem. Stress can be a huge factor in interrupting our sleep, while partner disturbance is the second most common cause. Duvet hogging and fidgeting can be a great annoyance when it comes to getting a peaceful night’s sleep.
Getting Better Sleep
If you’re kept up at night worrying, or you simply just feel too awake when it comes to bedtime, there are countless options to help you. Buying the right bedding can be a huge step in achieving a restful sleep. Making sure you have a quality bedding set can make sure you are comfortable, supported and at the right temperature. Having a comfortable bed is half the battle, so check how old your mattress is, and if you need a new base.
Lifestyle changes can also help you to achieve a better sleep routine. Exercising throughout the week can ensure you sleep better, as well as eating properly. Alcohol can disturb your sleep, so avoid drinking too much before bed. You should take a look at the layout of your bedroom and make sure you aren’t being disturbed by natural light either.
