Most unusual places people have fallen asleep, including at work, and on the loo

24 November 2023 , 10:31

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More than a fifth have fallen asleep at work, due to working too hard, or late nights (Image: PinPep)

Some of the most unusual places people have dozed off include at a wedding (5%), at a nightclub or bar (12%) – and even on the toilet (10%), research has found.

A quarter blame eating too much food for their tendency to nod off in places where they shouldn't – while 57% claim they struggle to fall asleep at night because of overthinking.

And the survey of 2,000 adults found that 22% have drifted off at work – due to working too hard (32%), boredom (32%), or late nights (45%).

As a result of troubled sleep, one in four even claim that they have come to dread bedtime – with over a third (36%), ironically, kept awake by concerns about not getting their 40 winks.

However, 25% are keen to learn more about their sleeping habits – after others have fallen asleep at the theatre, on public transport, and even at parties.

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The research was commissioned by Samsung, to highlight the Sleep Animals functionality on the Galaxy Watch6.

And a quarter now dread bedtimes, due to difficulty getting to sleep (PinPep)

Clinical psychologist, Dr Julie Smith, said: “If you fall asleep during the day without intending to, that is a clear sign of not getting enough sleep at night to stay healthy.

“This research suggests we could all do with working on improving our poor habits when it comes to our bedtime routines – but to do this, we need to have a good understanding of our sleeping habits.”

The study also found 17% of adults would willingly try unusual methods to try and improve the quality of their sleep.

As many as 43% have avoided caffeine before hitting the hay, in a bid to get a sound slumber, with the same percentage tucking into a good book before bed.

But noisy neighbours (22%), uncomfortable beds (21%), and nightmares (17%) are also to blame for disturbed slumber, while half (49%) are troubled by being too hot or too cold.

Of those who toss and turn at night, 40% struggle to get themselves off to dreamland in the first place because of money worries, and 32% blame working too hard as the reason for not getting their much-needed rest.

But 53% feel they prioritise sleep as much as they should, according to the findings from OnePoll – although it emerged that just 12% have used a smartwatch to monitor their sleeping patterns.

Annika Bizon, from Samsung UK, said: “Through analysing the sleep patterns of millions worldwide, we’re able to understand how technology can play a role in helping people establish healthier habits. To start improving the quality of your sleep, understanding how you sleep is key.”

Andrew Young