Average Briton gets six hours and 19 minutes of sleep a night, study finds

'It’s clear that as a nation we’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep'

Technology and eating late are among some of the reasons why people are finding it difficult to get to bed (iStock/Getty)

The average Briton gets just six hours and 19 minutes sleep a night, a survey has found.

Busy lives, hectic work schedules and stress are the primary reasons for not getting a full eight hours rest.

The poll of 2,000 UK adults found the nation get their recommended eight hours just two nights a week, with 38 per cent stating they never achieve that amount.

Technology, a lack of exercise and eating late are also among the reasons Britons are struggling to get a night of much needed rest.

"It’s clear that as a nation we’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep," said Lydia Atkinson, Buyer for Aircare and Cleaning, at Sainsbury’s, which commissioned the poll.

The study found one quarter rely on caffeinated products to help them get through to the evening, with 44 per cent completing a series of tasks in bed.

One in 10 will check or reply to work emails, with one fifth completing life admin and more than one in 20 will finish other job related duties when in bed.

Adults will spend 38 minutes a day thinking about or finishing jobs when they should be resting – the equivalent of nearly 20 hours a month.

Over half of adults said they do not usually get enough sleep, with 57 per cent finding themselves grumpier after a bad night’s rest.

One third confessed they will lose their temper more quickly, with 48 per cent struggling to concentrate and over one quarter find they are more emotional because of a lack of sleep.

By missing out on much needed rest, a number of Britons have found themselves falling asleep in a number of places.

Nearly three in 10 have found themselves falling asleep on public transport, with over a third doing so while reading a book, while three per cent have even found themselves having a nap when eating their dinner.

The study also revealed adults have found themselves dropping off in all sorts of obscure places including a fireworks display, live gigs and even during labour.

The research also found 85 per cent agreed they feel restored from having a quality night’s sleep and over one third will get better rested when they know they don’t have to work the next day.

Nearly three in 10 are more refreshed when sleeping on holiday, with nearly one quarter sleeping better after exercising, while 15 per cent will feel rejuvenated after a night next to their partner.

Sunday was revealed as the day adults get their worst night’s sleep, with their best night’s rest occurring on a Friday.

SWNS