Manchester has been named the UK’s most sleep-deprived city in the UK, with nearly half of adults not getting enough shut eye.
Data from sleep experts and producers of botanical CBD remedies Cannabotech shows two fifths of Mancunians don’t get enough sleep.
The NHS recommends adults should have between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, but according to the data, just over half (56%) of the population managed to do so in January.
This leaves the other 44% of Mancunians not getting enough rest at the start of the year, which the NHS says can lead to various short and long-term health issues – including increased stress, memory issues, and a weakened immune system.
Search data from Google’s Keyword Planner reveals that many aren’t happy with their sleep quality, with sleep-related Google queries highest at the start of the year – with ‘insomnia’, ‘why can’t I sleep’, ‘sleep music’, ‘sleep remedies’ and ‘sleeping pills’ all peaking in January.
While people in Manchester are most likely to suffer with sleep this January, those in Lancaster and East Kilbride are much luckier, reporting the lowest search volume per-capita.
The UK’s Top 10 most sleep-deprived cities in January:
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Reading
- Liverpool
- Birmingham
- Preston
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Nottingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
So how can people look to improve their sleep? Cannobotech said: “Improving sleep and reducing stress is key to boosting immunity and day-to-day wellbeing.
“Getting enough rest should be a priority at all times, particularly during stressful periods like January when it can be hard to make time for self-care.
“Whilst some stress over the winter period is inevitable – whether it’s due to trying to save money, picking things back up at work or juggling family commitments – it’s crucial to stick to a healthy sleep routine in order to prevent any unnecessary impact on your health.”
Here are their top three tips to help improve your sleep:
- Support your immune system
In winter as colds circulate, it’s important to strengthen your immune system in order to limit sleep disruption.
Ensure that you stay hydrated and drink at least two litres of water daily, and that you eat plenty of Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables.
Even though it can be tempting to stay inside when it’s cold, physical exercise is important.
- Maintain a set schedule
One of the biggest factors behind struggling to get to sleep in winter are the dark, drawn-out evenings which can make it hard to switch-off.
Regardless, try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, as this will make it easier for your body to recognise when it’s time for bed.
You could also find natural light bulbs and other forms of light therapy to make the transition easier.
- Keep stress levels low
Although it’s easier said than done, prioritising keeping stress levels low before bed will improve your sleep quality massively.
Some ways to do this include starting to wind down and avoid screens at least one hour before your planned bed time, and setting time aside to write about any worries or concerns that may otherwise keep you up.
Although many of us are tempted to hit the ground running after in the new year, it’s crucial not to burn yourself out and skip sleep, as this could set you up for a restless year.
More information about Cannabotech’s range of products can be found at their website: https://cannabotech.com/
