Galaxus Report: 6 out of 10 people have sleep problems
Europe sleeps an average of seven to eight hours a night. However, the quality of sleep is lacking: six out of ten people suffer from sleep problems. Stress in particular prevents people from falling asleep and staying asleep. In order to sleep better, every country has its own preferred rituals – from fixed bedtimes to light meals and bedtime sex.
Sleep plays a crucial role in our physical and mental health. However, experts warn that sleep disorders are on the rise in modern society. The findings of a representative survey, conducted by market researcher YouGov on behalf of Galaxus, has revealed how well or badly Europe sleeps. A total of 2,134 people were surveyed in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France and Italy.
Europe sleeps seven to eight hours a night
According to the survey conducted in January, half of those questioned allow themselves seven to eight hours of sleep a day. Around a third are satisfied with six to seven hours of sleep.
France and Italy seem to tend to get by with less sleep: 7% of French people say they sleep less than six hours a night – in Italy the figure is only slightly lower at 6%.
Older women sleep the least
There are no major differences between the sexes in terms of sleep duration. A disparity only opens up when you look at the short sleeper category; there are twice female short sleepers as male short sleepers.
A look at the age distribution shows that family planning could have an influence on sleep duration: 5% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 sleep six to seven hours, compared to only 1% of men. Overall, older women sleep the least. For example, 42% of 60 to 70-year-old women state that they sleep an average of six to seven hours. Among men of the same age, the figure is 36%.
More than half have sleep problems
Duration isn’t the only factor that’s important – sleep quality is too. Around 40% of those surveyed stated that they usually sleep well. The remaining 60% suffer from sleep problems, the most common being difficulty sleeping through the night.
Switzerland sleeps better than the rest of Europe
Switzerland seems to have the best sleep: half of those surveyed said they had no sleep problems. The French struggle more with their sleep: in a European comparison, they complain most frequently about difficulties falling asleep, sleeping through the night and waking up.
Overall, women are more frequently affected by sleep problems. 48% of men surveyed have a good night’s sleep, compared to only 37% of women.
Women and men aged 45 and over generally have more trouble sleeping through the night. By contrast, 15 to 29-year-olds find it difficult to wake up: 34% of young women and 27% of young men have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.
Sleep killer no.1: stress
46% of respondents believe stress is responsible for their sleep problems. An irregular sleep rhythm or health problems such as sleep apnoea are also cited as reasons for sleepless nights. Italians feel particularly stressed – 61% of those surveyed believe that stress is the cause of their sleep problems. In return, they seem to be blessed with good health. Only 14% blame health problems for their insomnia whereas in Austria, just under a third of respondents do so.
Almost half of women suffer from stress-related sleep problems, while 42% of men are affected. Men, on the other hand, more frequently report sleep problems due to an irregular sleep rhythm, health problems and caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Young people’s sleep suffers most from stress, but older people wake up more frequently due to bladder weakness, sleep apnoea or other health problems. The 30 to 44-year-olds are most frequently affected by alcohol-related sleep problems.
Fixed sleeping times more popular than bedtime sex
Two thirds of those surveyed use certain rituals to get the best possible night’s sleep. However, individual countries have different preferences on how they do this. Switzerland relies on fixed bedtimes, the Germans listen or read themselves to sleep and in Austria, cuddling and sex are the most common ways to fall asleep.
Speaking of cuddling and sex, 10% of the women surveyed said they like to cuddle to sleep. 5% rely on sex or masturbation to improve their sleep quality. For men, it’s the other way round. 9% of respondents sleep better when they cuddle, 15% after sexual activity.
Gen Z’s are particularly romantic – 17% of 15 to 29-year-olds fall asleep cuddling and 15% use sex or masturbation to help them fall asleep. From the age of 30, this relationship changes and cuddling becomes less important than sex. This doesn’t change until old age.
Sleep products? No, thanks!
6 out of 10 people say they suffer from sleep disorders. Yet, the majority don’t use aids to improve the quality of their sleep. The most popular remedies are over-the-counter medications, which are supposed to make it easier to fall asleep. Less than 5% of respondents – and therefore not listed in the chart – use sleep masks, nasal plasters, dental splints, light alarm clocks, aroma diffusers, humidifiers, white noise machines or respiratory aids.
Incidentally, people aged 60 and over are the least likely to use aids: 72% of those surveyed don’t use them.
How do you you sleep? Do you have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night or do you sleep like a rock? Do you have certain rituals or do you use aids to help you sleep better? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.
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Stephan Kurmann
Senior Communications Manager
Stephan.Kurmann@digitecgalaxus.chStudies claim that we have a shorter attention span than goldfish. Ouch! My job is to get your attention as often and for as long as possible. How? With content you enjoy. Outside of the office, you’ll find me on the tennis court, curled up with a book, Netflixing or travelling.
