PROBLEM

Sleep Deprivation

The UK is facing a severe sleep deprivation crisis with far-reaching social and economic consequences. According to recent studies, over 7.5 million people in Britain, or 14% of the population, sleep for less than five hours a night on average, which is considered dangerously low and a threat to both mental and physical health. This widespread lack of sleep is taking a significant toll on the nation's economy. While specific figures for the UK are not provided, insufficient sleep has been shown to result in substantial economic costs in terms of lost GDP and lower labor productivity across OECD countries. The impact extends beyond just economic losses, as poor sleep is closely linked with serious health conditions such as cardiac problems, dementia, and diabetes. Furthermore, over a third (34%) of Brits believe they have physical or mental health problems that could be attributed to lack of sleep. This crisis is not limited to adults; children and teenagers are also experiencing a mounting sleeplessness problem, with NHS statistics showing a sharp rise in sleep disorder admissions for under-16s. The pervasive nature of this issue, affecting both adults and youth, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address what experts describe as a "hidden public health disaster" that is silently eroding the UK's social fabric and economic potential.