One in three don't get enough sleep

One in four adults in the UK have sleeping difficulties and one in ten have insomnia disorders that affect their everyday life. Long-term insomnia can lead to premature death but is rarely treated, new research reveals.

The optimum duration of sleep is around seven hours. People who have between six and eight hours sleep a night are likely to live longer and have better health, while those getting less than six hours are more at risk of dying prematurely.

The research shows that one third of the UK adult population regularly sleep five hours or less a night. Getting too little sleep tremendously increases the risks of experience anxiety and depression and doubles the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. It also increases the risk of premature death.

Sleep well at night - be active during the day

Being fatigued at work has a negative impact on productivity. A healthy and alert workforce should be of great interest to employers, and to individuals as well.

Physical activity has a positive impact on your sleep patterns. Being physically active during the day helps you fall asleep at night and improves the quality of sleep.

Tips on getting active during the working day

It's easier than you think to build activity into your day. Here are some tips for what you can do.

In the morning

• Walk or cycle all or part of the way to work
• Use the stairs instead of the lift
• Use the printer and toilets which are furthest away
• Park at the furthest end of the car park

At lunchtime

• Pick a dining spot 10 minutes away to add a walk to your lunch break
• Set up a lunchtime activity such as a walking group, yoga or zumba
• Take part in a lunchtime activity at a local leisure centre
• Arrange to meet a friend to go for a walk or play a game such as badminton, squash or table tennis

In the afternoon

• Take a walking meeting to brainstorm ideas with co-workers
• Get up and move regularly, make a drink or get some water
• Bend, stretch, move, lift or carry whenever the opportunity arises
• Walk to talk instead of using the phone or email

Got a success story to share?

Submit your contact details and we'll get in touch with you to put together your success story. If you are curious what other workplaces across the UK have done, check out all our success stories here.