The Science of Napping: Do the British Need More Rest?

We’re a nation running on caffeine. Ask most Brits how they slept last night and you’ll hear the usual: “could’ve been better,” “tossed and turned,” or “the dog kicked me out the bed.” Sound familiar?

Truth is, the UK is one of the most sleep-deprived countries in Europe. On average we scrape just under 7 hours a night, and that’s before you add in the stress, Netflix binges, and endless scrolling before bed. No wonder so many of us feel like we’re wading through treacle by mid-afternoon.

Napping Around the World

In Spain, siestas are practically a national treasure. In Japan, a desk nap isn’t frowned upon – it’s seen as hard-working dedication. Yet here in Britain, admit to having a kip during the day and people look at you like you’ve given up on life. The stiff upper lip attitude doesn’t exactly scream “self-care.”

But science is on the napper’s side. A quick 20–30 minute snooze can improve memory, focus, mood, and even heart health. NASA tested pilots and found alertness jumped by 54% after a nap. Imagine what it could do for us mere mortals battling the school run or a 3pm slump at work.

The Perfect Nap

Not all naps are equal. Here’s the science bit:

20 minutes → Power nap. Refreshes you without grogginess.

60 minutes → Deeper sleep, good for memory, but you might wake up feeling a bit foggy.

90 minutes → A full sleep cycle. Best if you’ve really missed out on proper rest.

The key? Nap early in the afternoon. Leave it too late and you’ll be up half the night.

Where You Nap Matters

You can nod off on the sofa, but let’s be honest — the quality isn’t great. A proper nap needs a proper bed. That’s where investing in the right one comes in. A mattress that supports your body and a bed that creates a cosy, calm space makes all the difference.

Whether it’s stretching out on a Kaydian ottoman bed with space to store away the clutter, or winding down with your favourite show in a Dolby Atmos TV bed, your bedroom should be a place to recharge properly. After all, the better your set-up, the better your sleep — naps included.

So, Do Brits Need More Rest?

In short: yes. We’re running ourselves ragged, and catching 40 winks isn’t lazy — it’s smart. The science says so, and your body will thank you for it. So next time you hit that afternoon slump, don’t reach for another coffee. Have a nap. You might just wake up a new person.