We know the importance of a good night’s sleep
A survey conducted by Bensons for Beds has found that getting more sleep is the UK’s top New Year’s Resolution—way ahead of the stereotypical ‘lose weight’ and ‘get fitter’.
As the new Year approaches many of us look to adapt a ’New Year, New Me’ philosophy. Some attempt Dry January while others vow to exercise more.
However, the research suggests that many people are vowing to change their sleeping habits in an attempt to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
This shift underlines a growing awareness of sleep’s critical role in overall health and wellbeing.
The survey found half of UK adults cite getting more sleep as their top New Year’s resolution, far outpacing the 29% pledging to lose weight and the 24% aiming to get fitter.
The findings point to a nation grappling with a chronic lack of sleep, with 6 in 10 (63%) adults saying they wake up feeling shattered, averaging just 5.6 hours of sleep per night. That’s way below the 7-9 hours we should be getting.
Almost half (44%) say they’re unable to fully switch off from work over Christmas with 43% citing work worries as a barrier to rest.
Dr Sophie Bostock, resident Sleep Expert at Bensons for Beds, explains why it’s the most worthwhile New Year’s Resolution you can make.
She said: “Research shows that getting 7 or more hours of good quality sleep not only protects our physical health but also supports our mental health, relationships and productivity. It’s really encouraging to hear that so many people are prioritising sleep this January. I hope that these are resolutions that will last the entire year.”
She recommends five ways to adopt healthier sleep habits, and how to make a ‘better sleep’ resolution stick.
Top of the list is brainstorming all the habits that you could change to improve your sleep timing or quality, making it easy for yourself by enacting small changes and reminding yourself to stick to your new habit.
Dr Bostock also suggested tracking the impact that a better sleep routine has on your daily routine as well as celebrating your success.
