The Bupa ‘How Are You Britain?' report reveals sleep-starved workers are taking three extra days sick leave a year compared to their well-rested colleagues.
Over a quarter of the working nation wakes up feeling tired and unrefreshed, with Sunday being the worst night of the week for a bad night's sleep.
Dr Ian Mak says, "Over long periods of time, lack of sleep can affect your decision making, your reactions and your judgement. It may even be a factor in the development of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and mental health problems."
When it comes to sleepless nights, stress is a major contributor. 23 % of workers report suffering from high levels of stress, with 66 % feeling stressed and overwhelmed at least once a fortnight. In a working year, employees spend 91 days feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
The cost of a bad night's sleep is not limited to sick days. Half of those questioned said they drag themselves into work feeling tired and unrefreshed over 20 times a year. Shattered workers are less satisfied in their jobs and admit to low levels of productivity compared to their colleagues.
Three tips for a good night's sleep:
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Get up at the same time everyday, no matter how little sleep you've had. Lying-in disrupts your sleep pattern
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Don't drink caffeinated drinks or smoke for six hours before you go to sleep. A heavy meal before bed is also likely to keep you awake
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Get into a relaxing routine before you go to bed. Try a hot bath, or reading a book before you turn in
Private health insurance: News update: 27 October 2010
