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The demands of modern life and our penchant for resisting the universal, biological need for shut-eye mean we’re squeezing more into our waking lives — but at what cost to our nightly slumber?
Of the 20,000 people we surveyed for our recent sleep snapshot, just 12 per cent said they wake up feeling refreshed — and 75 per cent said they have trouble falling asleep at least some of the time.
If these results are anything to go by, many of us struggle to hit the hay and get good sleep.
But since you’re going to spend a third of your life dozing, it’s worth developing some healthy habits.
Make the right amount of sleep a priority
It’s important to set aside enough time to get adequate sleep each night.
On average, adults need eight hours to feel properly rested. Some require slightly less while others require a little more — it’s best to listen to your own body.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, poor sleepers often make a habit of getting fragmented sleep by spending too much time in bed. Unless you have lengthy sleep requirements, you should limit your time in bed to no more than 8.5 hours.
While your experience of sleep changes as you get older, your sleep requirements remain largely the same. Unless a sleep problem has developed, seven to eight hours is the recommended nightly dose for adults aged 65 and above.
– Olivia Willis
Read more: 10 hacks to help you sleep better
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