Researchers find that a third of Brits are self-confessed ‘night owls’
A third of Brits are self-confessed ‘night owls’, according to a study.
Researchers who explored the sleeping habits of 2,000 UK adults found this proportion of the population function better late at night than they do first thing in the morning.
Common traits of night owls include having to set multiple alarms in the morning to get them up, drinking coffee in the evening and happily starting a film at 9pm.
But in contrast, 33 per cent consider themselves to be ‘morning people’ – bright and breezy from the moment they wake.
Not relying on an alarm to wake them, going to the gym before work and feeling more productive in the morning are typical signs someone is a morning person.
However, the remaining one in three claim they are neither an ‘early bird’ or a ‘night owl’.
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Commissioned by eve Sleep, the research also found 40 per cent of those in a relationship don’t go to bed or get up at the same time as their other half.
Christine Hansen, holistic sleep expert and spokeswoman for eve Sleep said: “A great night’s sleep is at the core of how we feel the following day.
“The average person needs six to eight hours sleep each night to ensure their body and mind has what it needs to reset and recharge.
“This weekend’s clock change is the perfect time for night owls to change their morning routine.
“From Sunday, embrace an earlier bedtime and morning alarm.
“Leave your blinds open, so your eyes are hit with sunlight and eat your breakfast straight away – your digestion will help your body to feel fully awake.”
Other signs of being a morning person include never hitting snooze on the alarm, not getting up any later than 9am and waking in a chirpy and cheerful mood.
In contrast, preferring an evening in the pub to an early morning yoga session, regularly struggling to get to sleep and eating dinner after 8pm suggest someone is a night owl.
The research also found those polled typically wake at 7:42am and are out of the house by 8:22am on average.
Brits tend to stay in bed for 11 minutes once awake – one in 20 even snooze for as long as 30 minutes.
However, a quarter jump out of bed the second their alarm goes off.
Carried out through OnePoll.com, the study also found a quarter struggle to converse with people early in the morning.
And the same proportion admit they’re completely useless until they’ve had a cup of coffee.
Around three in 10 revealed they’ve woken up in such a bad mood they’ve got into an argument – before they’d even gotten up out of the bed.
And 72 per cent admit they find it more difficult to get out of bed in the morning during the winter months.
However, half of the population are looking forward to the clocks going back because it will give them an extra hour in bed.
James Sturrock, CEO of eve Sleep commented: “At eve we’re on a mission to help give that perfect start to your day, allowing you to wake feeling refreshed and re-energised ready to take on the day ahead, all thanks to a great night’s sleep.
“Our results support the importance of a great night’s sleep with more than six in 10 Brits describing themselves as ‘a new person’ after getting a good night’s rest.
“So whether you’re a morning person or night owl, mornings are here to stay and getting back to basics and investing in your sleep really can make a big difference.”
TOP 10 SIGNS SOMEONE IS A NIGHT OWL:
1. You’ll happily start watching a film after 9pm
2. You do your best work at night
3. You’re happy to have your dinner after 8pm
4. You find it hard to sleep
5. You’d much rather have a night in the pub than a morning yoga class
6. You never go to bed at the same time as your other half
7. You often snooze your alarm
8. You drink coffee any time
9. You must set multiple alarms
10. It annoys you when shops close – even if it’s at 10pm
TOP 10 SIGNS SOMEONE IS A MORNING PERSON:
1. Feeling more productive in the morning
2. Not having to set an alarm because they’re up anyway
3. Someone who’s cheerful and chirpy with colleagues first thing in the morning
4. Feeling like the day is ‘wasted’ by staying in bed past 9am
5. Never snoozing an alarm
6. Getting an early night
7. Someone who always has time for a proper breakfast
8. Feeling most peaceful in the morning
9. Someone who gets enough sleep
10. Going to the gym before work