Oxford is home to sleepiest residents in UK, study shows

Research, of 2,000 adults from the top 20 cities, found those in Oxdoed feel tired the most often (67 per cent), putting it straight in the top spot.

People in Cardiff followed closely behind, with 63 per cent of locals regularly feeling tired, and Cambridge came in third place at 62 per cent.

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Plymouth and Birmingham completed the top five sleepiest cities, while Newcastle came bottom of the list with just 48 per cent of its residents frequently feeling fatigued.

In response to these findings, an on-the-street test has appeared in Oxford challenging residents on their responsiveness to see how many lights they can hit in 30 seconds, rating them from ‘practically snoring’ to ‘top snoozer’.

Silentnight was behind the sleep-o-meter test and also commissioned the study.

Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight, and who studied sleep medicine at Oxford University, said: “It’s not hugely surprising to see some of the most well-known university cities in the top spot for sleepiest residents, but there are some simple steps locals can take to feel more well rested.

“Comfort and routine are key, so be sure to create a wind-down routine in the evening and ensure your space is as restful as it can be – with comfortable bedding, dim lighting, and the right temperature.

“Just one night of bad sleep can have a big impact on our day-to-day, whether that’s slower reaction times, reduced concentration levels, or even making us a little more snappy than usual.”

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With 56 per cent of the nation often feeling tired, 31 per cent don’t think they typically get enough sleep.

Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) blame always being on the go for their exhaustion, while long working hours and the weather are also cited as the main causes for feeling this way.

Late afternoon is when the average person feels the most lethargic (3.47pm), and drinking coffee seems to be the go-to solution to help people feel more awake.

This is followed by having a nap, going for a walk, and splashing their face with water. The average adult says ‘I’m tired’ three times a day, with 36 per cent finding themselves yawning on a regular basis.

However, 42 per cent agree they are ‘generally just a tired person’.

Lack of sleep seems to be a big mood trigger for 20 per cent and has led to 34 per cent forgetting what they were going to say during a conversation.

What’s more, 28 per cent are more likely to eat junk food if they are tired, and 24 per cent admit to having previously cried without any explanation.

Ms Shore added: “Sleep is so important for physical recovery but it’s also vital for our brains.

“Light sleep in particular, helps our memory, learning and with processing our emotions, but it’s often the stage we lose out on when we’re not getting enough sleep.”