Page 13 - PA_Enterprise_May-2022

PAE
Research carried out by healthcare provider,
Benenden Health, found that the average
UK adult gets just six hours of sleep per day,
with more than two thirds of the nation (68%)
failing to get the recommended amount of at
least seven hours.
As a result, individuals could be unwittingly
putting themselves at risk of weight gain, heart
disease and type two diabetes, with fewer
than half of UK adults knowing that a lack of
sleep can have this impact on their physical
health, despite evidence to the contrary.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults identified the
main reason for this widespread lack of sleep
to be stress and anxiety, with more than half of
adults identifying this as the principal reason
for their poor sleep hygiene, creating a vicious
cycle whereby mental health challenges are
having a wider impact on physical wellbeing.
Loud noises, uncomfortable temperatures and
going to bed too late rounded off the most
common reasons for a poor night’s sleep.
Nationwide, those in the North East and
Scotland reported having the most sleep per
day, whilst individuals in Greater London are
failing to get even six hours on average.
Respondents did recognise that they are
not getting enough sleep, however, with
individuals admitting that they believe seven-
and-a-half hours is the optimum, healthy
amount of sleep per day.
Matron at Benenden Health, Cheryl Lythgoe,
said: “Whilst individuals may feel like they can
operate off the bare minimum amount of sleep,
our research has highlighted an epidemic of
insufficient sleep across the UK, with the vast
majority of adults not getting the minimum
May 2022
recommended amount of seven hours.
“Many of us know the positive impact that
sleep can have on our mental wellbeing,
but it’s incredibly important for our physical
wellbeing too, so making small changes to our
lifestyle and investing more time in ourselves
can be hugely beneficial to our overall health.
“The stresses of today are well known and
it is clear that as the nation faces a mental
health crisis, this is having a knock-on effect
on our sleep, creating a vicious cycle of poor
wellbeing. By taking small steps – trying to
stick to a set bedtime, preparing a comfortable
sleeping environment and winding down
appropriately in the lead-up to bedtime – we
can sleep better as a nation and improve our
health as a result.”
Cheryl’s top tips for a good night’s sleep:
1. Establish a relaxing sleeping routine
Take some time out to wind down before you
go to bed. Activities like reading or taking
a warm bath, can help you separate your
sleep-time from what’s been going on in your
everyday life. Though being active throughout
the day promotes a better night’s sleep, you
should avoid excess physical activity in the
1-2 hours leading to bedtime to allow the body
to relax.
2. Clear the mind
With stress and anxiety the leading cause of
poor sleep, doing what you can to alleviate
excessive stresses can help you relax into a
good night’s sleep – for example, it may be
worth writing a “to do” list for the following day
so you can organise your thoughts and clear
your mind about any stress or anxiety you
may be feeling about the next day.
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