We are a nation of bad sleepers, new survey reveals

Do you often find yourself groggy and fatigued, even after a full night’s rest? You’re not alone — especially if you’re part of Gen Z.

A new study from IKEA reveals that a staggering 90% of Australians wake up tired despite getting seven or more hours of sleep.

The culprit might be closer than you think: nearly half of those surveyed (49%) admit they’re unsure or lack confidence in choosing the right pillow and mattress.

The study, held this month across a national audience, also found that women between 18 and 44 were the most likely to be losing sleep, while males 44-60+ were the most well-rested.

The survey also revealed:

• We are a nation of side sleepers (60%).
• Only 11% of Aussies sleep on their back and 8% on their stomach.
• Well over half (58%) of Australians say they need complete silence to sleep.
• Aussies prefer clothed comfort in bed, with only 11% of those surveyed saying they sleep naked.

The research also outlined Australia’s reliance on technology and how it is having an impact on quality of sleep, with more than half (51%) of respondents ‘doomscrolling’ to nod off.

It found that Gen Z was the most likely to doomscroll with 46% of respondents admitting to this behaviour on a nightly basis, with 35% watching YouTube, TV, listening to an audiobook or the radio to lull themselves to sleep.

Over the next year, IKEA will work to help Australians to help everyone get a better night’s sleep by introducing Six Sleep Essentials – factors that can contribute to the perfect night’s sleep: comfort, light, temperature, sound, air quality and decluttering.

Christine Gough, Home Furnishing Direction Leader at IKEA Australia, said: “Our recent IKEA Life at Home report revealed that 55% of people rate sleep as their most important well-being activity at home.

“But what one in two Australians are telling us is they need a little bit of help to figure out how to get their bedroom working better for how they like to sleep.

“At IKEA, we know getting good sleep doesn’t need to be complicated and you can start with understanding your sleep style and making sure you have the right room and bed set up as well as good bedtime habits.”

IKEA is kicking off a yearlong focus on complete sleep with a national PJ Day on Saturday, August 31.

On the day, customers wearing their PJs to any of the 10 IKEA stores in Australia can enjoy free hot brekkie at IKEA until 11 am.

Customers can also begin their journey to a better night’s sleep with IKEA Spend and Save offers on selected sleep products.

With 25% of Australians admitting to wearing matching PJs to bed, IKEA will be offering the chance to win limited-edition veggie ball pyjamas, designed using the iconic IKEA blue with yellow trim, complete with lingonberry jam and gravy.