But could our lifestyle choices be to blame rather than long working hours?
Nearly 13,000 Brits were surveyed by Bensons for Beds and as many as 45% of people are consuming drinks that are known to cause sleep disturbances directly before going to bed.
These include stimulants such as caffeine in tea and coffee, and alcohol, which initially acts as a sedative but causes wakefulness later in the night. While it is recommended that adults drink alcohol no closer than two hours before bedtime, almost a third (33%) admit to having their last alcoholic drink less than one hour before going to sleep.
Open Image Modal
Dr Guy Meadows, the UK’s foremost sleep expert and founder of The Sleep School says: "Simple changes such as swapping that afternoon cup of coffee for a herbal alternative, or swapping your night-time chocolate for some natural yoghurt and a drop honey can make all the difference and significantly improve not only a person’s sleep but their health more generally.
"Sleep is the most underrated performance enhancer so taking the time to consider and implement these changes in order to achieve the recommended amount of sleep can revolutionise all aspects of a person’s life.”
Almost 40% of UK adults are regularly eating sugary cakes, chocolates and sweets close to bedtime. The stimulating effects of sugar are known to cause a reaction in the body that triggers the fight or flight response, resulting in wakefulness.
At the same time, despite it being one of the most effective ways to increase the depth and quality of sleep, a significant 39% of respondents admitted to never exercising, a statistic with wider implications for the health of the nation than sleep alone.
The top ten lifestyle choices that respondents admitted to conducting, which significantly hinder sleep, are as follows:
1. Never exercising (39%)
2. Drinking alcohol before bed (33%)
3. Drinking caffeinated drinks less than one hour before going to bed (32%)
4. Consumption of chocolate before bed (26%)
5. Drinking tea before bed (20%)
6. Eating less than two hours before bed time (18%)
7. Eating cakes and sweets in the evening (15%)
8. Exercising too late in the evening (this raises your body temperature when it should be cooling in preparation to sleep) (13%)
9. Drinking sugary drinks before bed (10%)
10. Drinking coffee before bed (6%)
Lack of sleep is having a major impact on Brits with 50% recording negative emotions in the morning, including feelings of slowness, grumpiness and depression, and 57% recording feelings of increased hunger due to tiredness.
Broken down by region, the research showed Londoners to be the best slept individuals in the UK, with 53% getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep, whilst the West of England was revealed to be the most tired region as only 12% recorded getting this much sleep.
Most of us don't stay in one position during the night, but it turns out (according to several sleep surveys), most people prefer sleeping on their sides. If you're pregnant, doctors recommend sleeping on your left side, to "improve circulation to the heart, which benefits both mom and baby," according to Greatist. (credit:Karen Moskowitz via Getty Images)
Get Comfy (02 of17)
Open Image Modal
Getting a good night's sleep is also about being comfortable from head to toe. While some prefer sleeping in the nude (do your thing), a recent survey by mattress company Dormeo Canada found that 85 per cent of survey respondents prefer sleeping in cotton. (credit:Issaurinko via Getty Images)
Turn Off Your Electronics (03 of17)
Open Image Modal
Glowing screens on your cell phone, televisions or computers can interfere with the body’s ability to wind down. Before you get ready for bed, turn it off! (credit:Rolf Brenner via Getty Images)
Watch Your Cup(04 of17)
Open Image Modal
For some, caffeine consumption after lunch can keep them up during the night. Avoid drinking coffee, sugary drinks, chocolate milk, certain teas, and some vitamin drinks before bed and stick to water, herbal tea and other decaffeinated drinks. (credit:Nick Clements via Getty Images)
Leave The Curtains Open(05 of17)
Open Image Modal
This may not be ideal for those early winter mornings during weekdays, but in general, sleep with your shades open to get that early exposure to sun — at least you will be forced to open your eyes. (credit:Bambu Productions via Getty Images)
Get Your H2O Throughout The Day (06 of17)
Open Image Modal
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration closer to bedtime. For some, dehydration may lead to headaches or body aches, which ultimately disturbs your sleep. (credit:PM Images via Getty Images)
Stick To A Bedtime Routine (07 of17)
Open Image Modal
There's a reason doctors will tell you to stick to a sleep schedule: sleeping around the same time every day will keep your body's circadian rhythm in sync. Staying out late, for example, can confuse your body's circadian rhythm. (credit:yipchoonwai via Getty Images)
This may be a heart-breaker, but if you want to keep your sleep schedule in routine, avoid taking naps at random times during the day — unless of course, you really, really, need it. (credit:ONOKY - Eric Audras via Getty Images)
Before heading to bed, have a cool bath or shower to help lower your body temperature. Dormeo's surveys suggested 32 per cent of Canadians found overheating their biggest bedtime frustration. And if you're the kind of person who is always cold, you may benefit from a hot shower instead. (credit:by Dornveek Markkstyrn via Getty Images)
Think Cotton (12 of17)
Open Image Modal
Just like your PJs, treat yourself to natural cotton fibre sheets. As you sweat at night, natural fibre sheets breathe and absorb moisture. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Don't Include Your Phone In Your Sleeping Routine (13 of17)
Open Image Modal
It may be tempting to check your email before bed and right when you wake up, but avoid distractions by putting your phone away right before bed. Those emails aren't going anywhere. (credit:Shioguchi via Getty Images)
Bed Hygiene Is Also Important (14 of17)
Open Image Modal
Just like your sheets and blankets, make sure your mattress is clean by using a washable cover. This will keep your mattress free from dust mites and other allergens. (credit:Karam Miri via Getty Images)
Try To Sleep Earlier (15 of17)
Open Image Modal
If you're starting a new job or if the kids are going to back school, adjust your sleeping patterns by getting to bed earlier. And start with baby steps: try to get to sleep 15 minutes earlier before you attempt an hour. (credit:Quiet Noise Creative via Getty Images)
Don't Bring Work To Bed (16 of17)
Open Image Modal
As annoying as it is waking up in a pool of your own drool on your keyboard, falling asleep while working — or sleeping late because of it — can really put a dent in your healthy sleeping routine. Leave work off the bed! (credit:Sam Diephuis via Getty Images)
Take Notes(17 of17)
Open Image Modal
Keep a notebook beside your bed and write down your "to-do" list before bedtime. This will prevent you from worrying about your list as you sleep, and you'll also have a list to work with as soon as you wake up. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)