Shattered Britain

LACK OF SLEEP TURNS 35 MILLION ADULTS INTO 'ZOMBIES'

The UK is turning into a nation of zombies, as almost 35 million* people across the country admit to feeling 'shattered' with zero lust for life, according to recent research.

The new Shattered Britain study, commissioned by bed manufacturer, Silentnight, found that despite being fully aware of how important a good night's sleep is, a massive three quarters (75 per cent) of today's time-poor, stressed society is not getting its recommended eight hours - and this is impacting on work, health and relationships.

The research shows that 30 per cent say they can't concentrate on their work, with one in 10 admitting that their career progression - such as getting a promotion, a new job or even keeping their job - has been badly affected, due to being stuck in a foggy, inefficient bubble.

 Almost half (46.5 per cent) complained that a lack of sleep gave them headaches, or left them feeling depressed (31 per cent) or anxious (32 per cent), with a quarter saying it made them more susceptible to coughs and colds.

But it's not just their health that is under threat by lack of shut-eye, as two thirds of UK adults say they are grumpy without their eight hours. Irritability (45 per cent) and mental exhaustion (42 per cent) were also blamed and nearly a quarter said they felt 'like a zombie'.

Shouting and arguing with family and children were also high on the list of how a lack of sleep impacts on their lives, with 50 per cent admitting to losing their patience with their family.

And when it comes to making mistakes or having accidents, a third of bleary-eyed Brits blame lack of sleep for their kitchen disasters, like putting fruit juice on cereal instead of milk, or finding their lost car keys in the fridge.

More worryingly, 21 per cent confess to cutting or burning themselves when preparing dinner and 18 per cent say they have walked into a door when tired.

Silentnight is aiming to get the nation back on its feet and sleeping well again, with its new The Silent Revolution campaign encouraging a great night's sleep for all. This morning (Thursday) supporters woke the nation with a march on Parliament to launch the campaign, starting with a rallying cry for the government to remove VAT on British made beds and mattresses beds zero rated for a better night's sleep for all. 

Silentnight believes it is best placed to lead this exciting revolution. The brand knows sleep better than anyone else and its commitment to product innovation means the UK's leading bed manufacturer is determined to provide mattresses for all the nation to get a good night's sleep.

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Tired but Wired, Sleep Therapist at Capio Nightingale Hospital and spokesperson for Silentnight, said: "We all know how important a good night's sleep is, and the Shattered Britain study shows just what an impact a lack of sleep seems to have on us all.

"Sadly it can have a detrimental effect on work, health and relationships which is compounded by the stresses and strains of our daily lives. But the Silent Revolution campaign is on the right road to helping the nation be fully rested."

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For further press information, please contact Lizzie Smith or Lindsay Harper at BJL PR on 0161 831 7141 or emailsilentnight@bjl.co.uk

For more information about the Silent Revolution and to sign the government e-petition to remove the VAT off beds, visit www.thesilentrevolution.co.uk

For more product information, visit www.silentnight.co.uk

Notes to editors

* Omnibus survey conducted by Silentnight in 2008

Silentnight Group is the UK's largest manufacturer of branded beds for the home and owns Layezee, Sealy, Silentnight, Rest Assured and the Pocket Spring Bed Company.

Research:The Shattered Britain Study forSilentnight was carried out online by Opinion Matters in March 2012 amongst a sample resulting in 1,230 UK adults.

All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in theUKand ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).