FOOTBALL more likely to keep men awake than family disputes, survey says

A new study conducted by sleep expert Happy Beds finds football is more likely to keep men awake at night than other factors such as arguments with their significant other.

The study, which surveyed 1,000 people to unpack the racing thoughts which keep the nation awake at night, reveals that over a third of Brits are kept from a sound slumber for various concerns.

Men lose more sleep over football than conflict with their significant other

The study found that interestingly, the nation’s favourite sport is a prominent sleep disrupter for men. 1 in 8 (12%) men surveyed revealed they are kept awake by thoughts related to football, whether it’s a recent result, an upcoming match, or even certain players.

This makes football a more common source of sleeplessness for men than arguments with their partners, which only 7% of men report losing sleep over. In contrast, 10% of women report losing sleep after an argument with their partner, highlighting different priorities in what causes anxiety before bed.

1 in 5 women are kept awake worrying about the family

For many women, family responsibilities are a significant source of nighttime stress. Happy Beds survey data revealed that 22% of women are kept awake by thoughts related to family matters, compared to just 15% of men.

This discrepancy may be influenced by societal expectations, with previous studies showing a greater expectation on women to take care of their family rather than men. The pressure to manage these responsibilities can lead to increased anxiety and insomnia, impacting sleep quality.

Finances are the most common cause of sleeplessness among men and women

Men and women do share some similarities, with 21% of men and 24% of women lying awake at night thinking about finances. Money anxiety is a significant factor contributing to restless sleep and can directly affect mental well-being. The stress from financial worries can be particularly troubling as it often leads to a vicious cycle where anxiety disrupts sleep, and poor sleep exacerbates stress levels.

To break this cycle, it’s essential to take control of your financial concerns before they take control of your nights. Set a dedicated time during the day—perhaps mid-afternoon or during a break—to look at your bills and financial obligations. Writing down what’s worrying you can help clear your mind before bed. From there, prioritise your concerns: is one particular financial worry standing out? Tackle that one first, whether it’s by discussing it with your partner or contacting a company to arrange a payment plan.

1 in 6 Brits are kept awake by work worries

Happy Beds research found that while slightly more men (17%) are kept awake at night by work-related stress compared to women (15%), the impact is significant for both sexes.

Work-related stress remains a major culprit behind restless nights, with many people finding it increasingly difficult to leave professional concerns behind when the workday ends. One study found that an increase in the ‘always-on’ culture whereby employees are increasingly expected to check emails or finish tasks after hours is damaging employees’ well-being.

As a result, both men and women struggle to disconnect from their work-related worries, leading to a decline in sleep quality that can negatively affect their overall well-being. The inability to switch off from work stress not only disrupts sleep but can also contribute to long-term health issues, underscoring the need for better work-life balance and stress management strategies.

Credit: Happy Beds