This is the UK's top 2025 New Year's resolution, says survey
The new year is synonymous with fresh starts and setting goals. Normally, traditional resolutions revolve around managing weight, increasing exercise and improving nutrition as Dry January kicks off.
Not this time, however. For 2025, what the UK wants most of all is to get more sleep, says a new survey.
A report conducted by UK bed specialist Benson for Beds found that half of the nation's adults count sleep as their top priority, compared to the 29% wanting to lose weight and 24% hoping to get fitter. This underscores a growing awareness around the crucial role sleep plays in contributing to overall health and wellbeing.
The survey also revealed that:
6 in 10 say they wake up feeling shattered.
The average night's sleep is just 5.6 hours, far below the recommended 7-9.
Almost half (44%) say they were unable to fully switch off from work over Christmas.
43% cite work worries as a barrier to rest.
'Research shows that getting seven or more hours of good quality sleep not only protects our physical health but also supports our mental health, relationships and productivity,' says Benson's sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock. 'It’s really encouraging to hear that so many people are prioritising sleep this January. I hope that these are resolutions that will last the entire year.
'The links between sleep and mental health are bidirectional. Poor sleep worsens anxiety, but, positively, prioritising sleep reduces the risks of common mental-health disorders. The emphasis we’re placing on sleep-focused resolutions isn’t just a trend – it’s a recognition of sleep’s transformative impact. This shift toward prioritising rest reflects a growing awareness that the key to achieving more may start with doing less.'
How do I get better sleep?
Dr Sophie Bostock recommends five ways to improve your sleep hygiene.
1. Improve habits
Some habit adjustment might include less scrolling late at night, drinking less caffeine, waking up at the same time (even at the weekend), eating earlier in the evening, or sticking to a bedtime routine.
2. Make it easy
When we’re tired, even small changes might feel overwhelming, so the change needs to be manageable. Instead of giving up caffeine entirely, try only buying decaf coffee to keep at home, or stop drinking caffeinated drinks from midday onwards. Leave your phone outside your room to eliminate the chance of scrolling endlessly.
3. Set reminders
The most common reason that our New Year’s resolutions fail is that we forget about them. Try setting reminders on your phone to start winding down or a dinner cut-off point.
4. Track the impact
If Santa didn’t bring you a wearable sleep tracker this Christmas, printing out a sleep diary and monitoring your habits manually is another great way to measure the impact of your changes. Celebrate the small wins, too – when we see positive change, we’re often more motivated to keep going.
5. Invest in your bedroom
A rickety bed frame is never going to help you get better sleep. Investing in quality sheets or a supportive and comfortable mattress can make a world of difference.
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