Nine out of ten adults struggle to fall asleep (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The average adult wakes up twice a night, with temperature fluctuations, stress and a snoring partner often to blame.
A recent study also identified financial concerns and minor ailments like a stuffy nose as common reasons for nocturnal disturbances, which typically occur between 1am and 3am.
While 47% of people attempt to return to sleep and 21% keep their eyes shut in hopes of drifting off again, 13% confessed to resorting to scrolling on their phone.
This research was commissioned by Silentnight for its annual Report, which examines the nation’s sleeping habits and potential areas for improvement.
Silentnight’s resident sleep specialist, Dr Holly Milling, commented: “Many people want to have healthier habits, but poor sleep can often be what is setting you up for failure. When we’re not well-rested, making healthy decisions when it comes to things like diet and exercise becomes much more challenging.”
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Four out of ten respondents claimed that the quality of their sleep affects both their physical and mental health, while 36% admitted they lack motivation to exercise when they’re so tired.
However, it’s not just maintaining sleep that poses problems. A staggering nine out of ten adults struggle to fall asleep in the first place.
Dr Holly stated: “It’s no surprise the number one reason people struggle with sleep is a difficulty with switching off. This reflects how stress and mental overload have become a significant part of modern life.
“There’s no underestimating the importance of having a good support system in place and prioritising your overall wellbeing when it comes to sleep.
“But techniques like mindfulness and other relaxation exercises can also help to calm a racing mind and prepare the body for rest.”
According to the study’s findings, 36% of adults fail to get the recommended eight hours of sleep on a regular basis.
47% of respondents reported getting six hours or less of sleep, while a further 18% confessed that they couldn’t recall the last time they had a restful night’s sleep.
Consequently, during an average week, a typical adult feels well-rested only on three days, with the aftermath of a poor night’s sleep often manifesting as fatigue (55%), inability to concentrate (35%), and headaches (32%).