On the morning of World Sleep Day, who is feeling well rested? If you are, you’re in the minority – two thirds of adults aren’t getting enough sleep.

The World Health Organisation classifies sleeplessness a global epidemic. Sleep problems, whether in the form of medical disorders or related to work schedules and a 24/7 lifestyle, are pervasive.

In 1942, a Gallup poll found adults slept an average of 7.9 hours per night. In 2013, the average adult had sheared more than an hour off that number.

A 2018 global sleep survey undertaken by Philips indicates that the average amount of sleep achieved worldwide by adults over the age of 25 is 6.9 hours. This means that the average Brit is getting around 34.5 minutes less sleep a night than those in other countries. This adds up 210.2 hours a year (or an incredible 8.76 days).

Electric lights, tv and computer screens, longer commutes, the blurring of the line between work and personal time, and a host of other aspects of modern life have all contributed to sleep deprivation.

It is now widely recognised that sleep is not a luxury, it is essential to our long term health, wellness and wellbeing.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to improve our sleep. Read our Sleep Hacks and Snack Hacks for some quick and easy tips.

Find our more:

The World Sleep Day website
Owl and Lark Journal