This Is the UK’s Top New Year’s Resolution for 2025 – And It’s Not What You’d Expect
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, most people think of the usual suspects:
Losing weight, getting fitter, or eating healthier.
But this year, the UK has flipped the script.
According to a new survey, the top resolution for 2025 is all about one thing: getting more sleep.
A study by UK company Bensons for Beds found that 50% of adults in the UK have made sleep their top priority for the new year.
This far outpaces the 29% focusing on weight loss and the 24% aiming to get fitter.
The UK’s Sleep Epidemic
The survey also revealed a troubling picture of the UK’s sleep habits:
- 6 in 10 adults wake up feeling exhausted.
- The average person gets just 5.6 hours of sleep per night, far short of the recommended 7–9 hours.
- Nearly half (44%) couldn’t fully switch off from work over Christmas.
- 43% of respondents identified work-related worries as a major barrier to rest.
Why Sleep Matters More Than Ever
“Getting seven or more hours of quality sleep not only protects our physical health but also boosts mental health, relationships, and productivity,” explains Dr Sophie Bostock, a sleep expert.
We know that sleep deprivation significantly impacts mood. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that participants restricted to just 4.5 hours of sleep per night for one week experienced heightened levels of stress, anger, sadness, and mental exhaustion.
Remarkably, when these individuals returned to normal sleep patterns, their mood and mental health improved dramatically.
Top 3 Ways to Improve Your Sleep Naturally
Harvard Medical School’s Professor Lawrence Epstein, MD, offers three evidence-based strategies to improve sleep.
1. Regular Exercise:
Physical activity not only improves your overall health but also helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, avoiding vigorous workouts close to bedtime.
2. Sleep Schedule:
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps regulate your internal clock.
Consistency signals to your body when it’s time to rest, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
3. Invest in a Comfortable Bed:
Your sleep environment plays a crucial role in sleep quality. Upgrading your mattress and pillows is often the deciding factor in a comfortable night’s sleep. A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom can also improve your sleep.
A Nation Waking Up to Better Sleep
With sleep topping the UK’s New Year’s resolution list, it’s clear people are finally waking up to the power of rest.
This isn’t about slacking off—it’s about recognising that feeling restored is foundational for success in every area of life.
So, if you’re still deciding on your resolutions, perhaps it’s time to put sleep at the top of your list.
After all, the key to achieving more in 2025 might just be getting a little more shut-eye.