A new study has revealed “what keeps Scots up at night”.
Sometimes, trying to get to sleep at night is easier said than done — no matter how late it is. For a variety of reasons, we can lay awake for hours worrying instead of drifting off to sleep.
According to new research conducted by MattressNextDay, most Scots only get between five and six hours sleep a night. The experts reveal that weddings, holidays, and job interviews are the biggest life events keeping people awake at night in Scotland.
Meanwhile, the results also show that general nervousness is the top everyday worry keeping Scots up. Other everyday concerns preventing people in Scotland from falling asleep include anxiety about the future, worries about making a good impression, and fear of failure.
Commenting on the study, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay Martin Seeley commented: “With a new year, many of us have lots of big milestones and life events ahead — from weddings, to new jobs, to upcoming exams. To perform at our best when it comes to these life events it’s important to have a restful night’s sleep.
“Studies have shown that just one night of sleep deprivation can seriously inhibit anxiety levels due to the production of cortisol and adrenaline. However, with many of 82 per cent having experienced anticipatory anxiety it’s important to set yourself up for a positive sleep routine.”
MattressNextDay’s study also revealed which techniques Scots use to calm their worries and go to sleep. According to the experts, most people in Scotland make use of deep breathing exercises, music and sound, as well as meditation to help them nod off.
External stimuli can have a major impact on your ability to get to sleep. The results of the study show that 23 per cent of people adjust the room temperature to be cooler, 20 per cent ensure their bedroom is dark, and 14 per cent use aromatherapy.
To help those suffering from anticipatory anxiety, MattressNextDay teamed up with owner and founder of Holistic Pain Clinic Samphire Hayes. She has shared strategies for getting to sleep the night before a big event.
According to Hayes, a top technique for putting yourself to sleep is box breathing. This involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, exhaling for four seconds, and then pausing for four seconds.
Hayes commented: “Setting yourself up for a good night’s sleep actually begins in the morning. Getting outside to expose your eyes to natural sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, signalling to your brain that it’s time to wake up.
“This kickstarts the hormonal processes that energises you throughout the day and also sets a ‘timer’ for the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, later in the evening. During darker months, a SAD lamp can mimic sunlight and provide similar benefits.”
More information about what life events “keep the UK up at night” can be found on the MattressNextDay website.
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