Sleep. We love it, we need it and we are not getting enough of it.
In fact, according to a new study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health, Brits are missing out on an entire night’s sleep every week. Yep, all those hours we spend lying there wide awake longing to be taken to Slumberville, late nights and early mornings really do add up.
MORE: Can you really catch up on sleep
The Royal Society for Public Health polled 2,000 British people and found that the average sleep time was 6.8 hours a night. This is almost an hour less than the recommended 7.7 hours sleep we are supposed to getting.
The study also found that not being able to get a good night’s sleep leaves people feeling stressed and that one in five of us struggle to fall asleep on a daily basis. This, therefore, can result in an unhealthy equation of exhaustion and poor mental health.
MORE: 3 diet changes that can decrease anxiety
What to read next
So, what can you do if you find sleeping hard and make sure you reclaim that extra night?
Firstly, if sleeping is a persistent issue then visit your GP who might recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Read our guide on 13 things you need to know before doing CBT.
Otherwise, try one of these quick fixes:
- How decluttering your bedroom can help you sleep
- Calming apps and gadgets for a better night's sleep
- Breathing trick puts you to sleep in seconds
- How to sleep with an itchy cough
Like this? Subscribe to the Good Housekeeping newsletter.
