Exhausted Brits losing 650 hours of sleep a year - but holidays could help

Exhausted Brits losing 650 hours of sleep a year - but holidays could helpFour in 10 UK adults get less than six hours of sleep a night but experts say one simple thing could helpCommentsNewsHannah Phillips16:44, 07 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesBrits are missing around 650 hours of sleep a yearExhausted Brits are losing approximately 650 hours of sleep annually, the equivalent to nearly a month, new research has revealed. More than four in 10 UK adults (41%) manage to get fewer than six hours of sleep a night, while 63% routinely feel sleep-deprived.‌Sleep specialist Amy Cheseldine, founder of The Good Sleep Method, argues the UK's sleep debt shouldn't be overlooked, as it can impact energy levels, mood and overall wellbeing. "It's very concerning that Brits are losing so much sleep, particularly as sleep deprivation is linked to long-term health issues including cognitive decline, cardiovascular problems and weight gain," she said.‌View 4 ImagesTurns out holidays are the perfect place to catch up on sleep(Image: Jam Press/TUI)‌The latest research by TUI discovered one simple solution could help repay the debt: booking a holiday. According to the study, Brits reclaim almost five hours of sleep in just one week away."Time away from your usual routine can be a powerful reset, reducing daily stress, increasing time outdoors and helping the body fall back into a natural sleep rhythm," Amy says."You can think of it like topping up a savings account. If you've built up sleep debt over time, even a week away can start to repay that deficit and leave you feeling noticeably more rested, with benefits that continue even after you return."‌Some 13% of us now monitor our sleep quality on apps, smart watches or fitness bands. And to help recover their sleep deficit at home, many of us resort to desperate 'hacks'. More than a quarter (27%) flip the pillow to find the cool side, 25% drift off with the TV on and 22% depend on blac...