Britons surviving on four hours of sleep or less, survey finds

A Dyson survey of 2,000 adults finds that a large share of Britons regularly survive on four hours of sleep or less, with more than four in ten getting less than three hours. The study notes that the average person sleeps about 6 hours and 50 minutes each night, well below the eight-hour minimum commonly recommended by the NHS. The gap adds up to roughly 426 hours of sleep lost per year, the equivalent of about 18 full days.

Nearly seven in ten respondents (69%) said they simply don’t get enough sleep, and one in five (19%) said they are constantly tired. The lack of rest is associated with a range of daytime effects: about half (47%) said sleep deprivation makes them irritable, while 44% report functioning poorly and difficulty concentrating. Mood swings (37%), a lack of motivation (33%), and getting annoyed more easily (33%) were also linked to limited shut-eye, with 28% reporting increased anxiety.

The data also highlight strain in personal relationships and daily routines. About a quarter (26%) of couples said they are now sleeping in separate beds to improve rest, while 12% admitted losing their temper with their children and another 12% reported greater anger toward a partner or close family member. In the workplace, eight in ten (81%) said they regularly struggle through the working day at least twice a week, and 37% said they have called in sick because they felt too tired to face the day.

People reported trying a range of measures to help them sleep. Forty-five percent use fans to cool the room, 42% play a relaxing playlist, 37% read before bed, 35% flip the pillow to the cold side, 31% take a bath, and 17% wear an eye mask or listen to a podcast. About one in ten use sleep supplements, masks, or earplugs, and another 10% deliberately avoid technology prior to bedtime. Sleep-industry professionals noted that many Britons are seeking ways to improve their rest, particularly as the months shorten and temperatures drop.

Sleep experts say the results underscore a growing national challenge. James Wilson, a sleep consultant, said the trend toward shorter nights is affecting daily life, productivity, and relationships, while noting that simple changes can help. He cited establishing a consistent wake time, creating a calming pre-sleep routine, and lowering body temperature before bed as effective steps. Wilson added that he personally has found benefits from sticking to a regular schedule and a bid for a cooler sleeping environment.

Bradley Fishwick, a senior designer at Syson who commented on the research, said the findings reflect a broader consumer search for practical ways to sleep better. He noted that many people are building nighttime routines, limiting screens before bed, and making small adjustments to their sleep spaces to improve rest during the colder, darker months.

The findings, drawn from a survey of 2,000 adults and reported by outlets including the Daily Mail, align with concerns raised by health researchers about the impact of chronic sleep deprivation on daytime functioning and long-term health.