Panda’s 2023 Sleep Survey: Uncover the UK’s Latest Sleep Stats

From the most popular sleeping positions, how many hours we are clocking to common bedtime disturbances, here is our latest snapshot of how the UK is really sleeping.

Bedtime, we all do it differently. And how we sleep can change from month to month, from trying different sleeping positions to making the effort to get to bed a bit earlier. The quality of our sleep can also be affected by everything from lifestyle changes and work stress to the weather (hot sleeper, anyone?) We have done some research to see what the latest trends are in the world of sleep. Read on to discover what’s been keeping the UK up at night in 2023.

Front, back or side?

We all have a favourite sleeping position, and according to our study – most of us like to sleep on our side. Nearly 80% of our participants were side sleepers, with only 10% choosing their back and 10% being stomach sleepers. Every sleeping position has its pros and cons, and it’s important to have the right pillow and mattress to support yours. Keeping in proper alignment while you sleep will help protect your neck, back and spine from aches and pains while promoting a deeper, more restorative rest. Something most of us could be getting more of.

Trouble drifting off?

If you struggle to drift off at night or stay asleep, you are not alone. Many sleep conditions can make it hard to get a solid 7-9 hours. So, what are 2023’s most common sleep complaints? 24% of our participants experience insomnia. This frustrating disorder can make it hard to fall asleep and cause you to wake up early, leading to irritable, tired days. Short-term insomnia is something many adults can experience, though long-term insomnia can be far more detrimental to health and well-being. The good news is simple lifestyle changes can often help get bedtime back on track.

What other sleeping conditions are the UK experiencing?

Sleep Apnea

Another sleeping condition affecting 11% of our participants is sleep apnea. This less common disorder can cause breathing to stop and start while you sleep, disrupting sleep quality and creating anxiety about going to bed. There are many risk factors, including smoking, medical conditions and genetics. It is important to see a medical professional to assess the disorder and advise on the best treatment, which can range from advanced therapies to lifestyle changes.

Snoring

Noisy partner? They may be one of our 7% of participants struggling with snoring. This can not only impact their sleep quality but can disturb those they share a bed with. Not the best combination for happy mornings.

Back Pain

Among other sleeping conditions, 6% of those surveyed experienced back pain. This can often be caused by improper sleeping positions and not having a supportive pillow or mattress. A few bedtime tweaks can often help keep sleep more comfortable.

Fibromyalgia

2.5% of our participants are affected by fibromyalgia. Non-restorative sleep is a frequent complaint from those who experience the painful condition. Flare-ups can be triggered by emotional and physical stress while making gentle lifestyle changes can help soothe symptoms.

Anxiety

Anxiety was flagged by 2% of our participants as getting in the way of their shut-eye in 2023, while 47% experienced other conditions.

How does the UK rate their sleep quality?

There’s no better feeling than waking up after a refreshing, good eight hours of sleep. Though how many of us are getting it? Only 5.2% of participants gave their sleep quality our top rating of five, while nearly 20% only scored theirs 1-2. If you feel like your quality of sleep has deteriorated lately, try and clock the changes that could be responsible. Are you exposing yourself to too much blue light in the evening? Or going to bed a bit later?

Our bodies and minds are incredibly sensitive; even lowering coffee consumption and giving yourself time to properly unwind before bed can help you enjoy a deeper, longer sleep.

So, how many hours are we getting a night?

We asked our participants how many hours they are clocking every night, and the results were a wake-up call. Nearly 25% were getting five hours or less, with only 15% getting a good eight hours. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your well-being, though we understand getting it is not always easy.

While every sleeper is different, here are a few tried and tested magic remedies that can help you get the rest you deserve to feel at your best.

1) Upgrade your sleeping environment

Making sure you are 100% looking forward to jumping into bed is the best place to start. Investing in a top-quality mattress, pillows and bedding that provide optimum support, breathability, and comfort will give you that ‘can’t wait to get to bed feeling’, encouraging earlier nights and promoting a deeper rest.

2) Switch-off

Allowing yourself time to switch off between work and bedtime can significantly affect sleep duration. A long soak in the bath, cooking a nice meal and relaxing with family is just as important as being productive. And speaking of switching off, avoiding laptops, phones and endless scrolling an hour or two before you hit the hay will give your mind a chance to relax. It will also prevent blue light from blocking your body’s natural production of melatonin production, the hormone that makes you feel nice and sleepy.

3) Set a bedtime

One of the easiest ways you can improve the duration and quality of your sleep is by taking a look at your diary and making bedtime a priority. Sticking to a set bedtime will help regulate your sleeping cycle to drift off for a blissful night’s sleep and wake up ready to take on the day.

The sleepy takeaway

We hope you enjoyed reviewing our latest sleep data. If you do struggle with sleep, addressing the cause is vital to get you back to feeling rested. Be kind to yourself and give these gentle tips a go- you will soon be well on your way back to sweet dreams.