A new sleep report out today has revealed when British children go to the land of nod, they are dreaming of becoming an astronaut like Tim Peake, a footballer like Harry Kane, a business magnate like Alan Sugar, an internet tycoon like Mark Zuckerberg, or a singer like Adele.
The sleep study, conducted by Travelodge, surveyed 1,500 children aged between eight to fifteen years old. Key findings revealed that on average children are getting on average eight hours sleep per night – which is less than the recommended sleep that they should be getting in order to help them grow and function effectively at school[1].
Forty five per cent of children surveyed reported that they do not follow a bed-time routine and don’t go to bed at the same time every night. The report also revealed that 75% of children stated that they have not been taught the importance of sleep in school. As a result of not getting enough sleep, 78% of children reported that they find it difficult to concentrate at school.
In addition, 33% of children stated within the report that they don’t know what happens to their body whilst they are sleeping.
The sleep study also revealed that on average children remember dreaming two to three times during the week. The most popular dreams children are having is becoming an astronaut like Tim Peake, becoming a footballer like Harry Kane, being a popular TV celebrity like Ant & Dec, being an international singer like Adele and being an internet tycoon like Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg.
Listed below are the top ten most popular dreams children are having:
- Being an astronaut
- Being a footballer
- Being a celebrity
- Being an singer
- Being an internet tycoon
- Being a inventor
- Being a lottery winner
- Being a businessperson/entrepreneur
- Being a vet or doctor
- Being a video game creator
Further research findings revealed that 60% of children feel more grown up if they stay up longer. In order to delay going to bed, a quarter of young Britons offer to do household chores such as washing up after dinner. Over half, (55%) strike up a conversation with their parents so that they can stay up late. Six out of ten (61%) children regularly argue with their parents about what time they should go to bed.
Dr Pat Spungin, child psychologist & family life specialist, said:
“I agree there is very little information available to parents about the importance of a good night’s sleep. Parents should be concerned about the effects of sleep deprivation on their children, as lack of sleep has a negative effect on a child’s mood, concentration and attention. Research also shows that children who are sleep deprived do less well academically, show more problem behaviour and have lower levels of social skills.”
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said:
“A lot of parents worry how their children will sleep when they travel. Following customer feedback we have removed the traditional sofa bed and, introduced new individual beds for children in family rooms across our 527 UK hotels. The new cozy beds are a big hit with children and provide the perfect launch pad to enter the land of nod and attain a good night’s sleep.”
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