Average Brit Loses out on 64 Nights Worth of Sleep Every Year

The average adult loses out on 64 nights worth of sleep every year, a study has found.

A poll of 1,000 Brits found the average adult gets just six hours and 36 minutes of sleep each night - an hour and 24 minutes less than the recommended eight hours.

But over the course of a year, this lost sleep amounts to a staggering 511 hours - the equivalent of almost 64 'eight-hour' nights.

Stress was found to be the main reason for a lack of sleep, followed by a partner who snores or fidgets, being too hot or cold and worrying about money.

Using technology late at night, having young children and an uncomfortable bed are also among the reasons for losing sleep.

A spokesman for MatalanDirect.com said: "A good night's sleep is something we all require as a matter of health, but it seems like it's something many of us struggle to get.

"Experts recommend we get around eight hours a night, but in actual fact, the average adult is getting just six-and-a-half hours.

"This might not seem like much on a night-by-night basis, but when you add it up over a longer period of time, it can mean you are missing out on a large amount of sleep.

"It has been widely reported that sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on overall health; Age UK states a lack of sleep over a long period can be associated with type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and strokes.

"So it's important to try and make sure you can switch off at night, and your room set up just right to give you the best chance of a good night's sleep."

The study revealed that 68 per cent of Brits don't believe they get enough sleep, with one in twenty claiming to get a maximum of four hours sleep a night.

But the lack of sleep is causing more than tiredness with the average Brit admitted their productivity is affected on two days of each week as a result of getting less than their full eight hours shut-eye.

Almost half admitted their tiredness has also led to them snapping at a partner while another 28 per cent have made a mistake at work.

Others say a lack of sleep has led to them snapping at their children (26%), forgetting something (58%) or even getting on the wrong bus, train or tube. (5%)

Pete Gould, Chief Marketing Officer at MatalanDirect.com commented: "We're always looking to improve the lifestyle and relaxation time of our customers; by understanding their sleeping habits, we are able to ensure that our bedroom furniture and mattress ranges have features to suit all family members, and ultimately, enhance sleep at night for everyone in the home".

Top twenty reasons for a lack of sleep: