**Britons Embrace Separate Bedrooms and Tech-Free Nights in Quest For Better Sleep**
A new survey has shed light on the creative and often drastic steps being taken by people across the UK to combat an epidemic of poor sleep. Increasing numbers of adults are turning to a mixture of traditional and modern strategies – ranging from blackout blinds to banning gadgets and even opting for separate bedrooms from their partners – in a determined attempt to improve the quality of their rest.
The findings of this national study highlight a worrying trend: the average UK adult is managing only three nights of high-quality slumber per week. For many, waking up fully refreshed has become something of a rarity, with only a handful claiming to ever experience the elusive “perfect night’s sleep”. The survey respondents cited overthinking, unsettling dreams, and uncomfortable pillows as chief culprits for their restless nights.
One particularly notable trend is the rise of couples choosing to sleep apart. Around ten percent of adults living with their partners admit they now retreat to separate rooms. Remarkably, many report this arrangement has not only enhanced their individual sleep quality but, in some cases, actually strengthened their relationships. John Rastall, head of home at DFS, observed that though this lifestyle shift may double the cost of bedding and mattresses, it is a price many are willing to pay to secure a good night’s rest.
The UK’s obsession with optimising health, including tracking everything from daily steps to sleep patterns, has also contributed to a surge in popularity for sleep gadgets. Despite these efforts, even a single poor night’s rest can have visible results – leaving many lethargic, unmotivated, and even looking unwell. Around a third of participants in the study admitted that inadequate sleep often led to a sluggish feeling the next day and diminished their appearance.
Beyond simple tiredness, persistent sleep difficulties can domino into broader problems, affecting motivation and stress levels and even undermining mental health. Sleep expert Anne Marie Boyhan, who partnered with DFS for the study, advises harnessing natural daylight in the morning to enhance melatonin production – the hormone that governs our sleep cycle. In the evening, she recommends making bedrooms as dark as possible, using blackout blinds or eye masks, and maintaining a clutter-free environment for a calm mind.
Interestingly, technology emerged as both a hindrance and a help. Blue light from screens is a well-documented enemy of sleep, leading experts to suggest winding down with alternative lighting like amber bulbs and banning gadgets from the bedroom at least an hour before bedtime. Yet tech-based sleep solutions, such as sleep apps and white noise machines, also make an appearance among the top 30 strategies tried by British adults.
A striking number of participants reported that the rare nights of deep, restorative sleep bring significant benefits: enhanced concentration, improved mood, and a feeling of rejuvenation that often lasts throughout the day. In fact, four out of ten people say they feel noticeably better after a night of solid rest. Despite these positive effects, only a small core of individuals maintain a consistent bedtime routine, underscoring the struggle to make better sleep a habitual part of life.
Boyhan advocates for personalising bedtime rituals to avoid them becoming a chore, suggesting people select a couple of practices or products they genuinely enjoy, from herbal teas to journaling. She encourages creating a manageable wind-down period in the evenings which need not be elaborate, but consistent enough to signal to the body that rest is near.
The research, commissioned by DFS, also assembled a revealing list of the 30 most popular tactics adults have tried in pursuit of quality sleep. The methods range from the classic – reading before bed, sipping a calming tea, or investing in a better mattress – to the more novel, like weighted blankets, sound machines, and using aromatherapy. Some have even sought medical intervention, while others keep it simple, focusing on a tidy space and quiet routines.
This nationwide sleep struggle has prompted a broader conversation about the impact of lifestyle, technology, and even our relationships on wellbeing. Whether it is the embrace of separate sleeping arrangements or the firm ban on evening gadget use, Britons are showing remarkable resolve to reclaim their sleep, with the hope that consistent, restorative nights will soon be within easier reach.