UK workers plagued by sleep issues offered simple pharmacist hack

A lack of sleep has been linked to several disorders including heart disease, obesity, type-2 diabetes and a compromised immune system - and so it's important to prioritise sleep

The significance of a decent kip can't be overstated. It's integral to our physical and mental well-being, shaping whether we wake up invigorated or feeling absolutely shattered.

Not getting enough shut-eye can result in lethargy, inability to concentrate, plummeting work performance, and grumpiness, just scraping the surface of a bounty of upsides to proper slumber. Alarmingly, fresh figures from Typharm reveal that an astonishing seven in ten full-time UK employees are hitting the hay while suffering from muscle or joint pain.

Even more concerning is that 74 per cent acknowledge their pain hinders a good night's rest. The time is now for a wake-up call, with the Department of Health advising that adults clock in between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Yet, data displays a worrying trend, with 26 per cent of those experiencing muscle or joint pain limping by on meagre four to five hours of sleep.

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A mere 13 per cent conquer the challenge of obtaining six or more hours while dealing with such discomfort. Lending his expertise, Pharmacist Noel Wick, consulting for Amgesic Pain Relief 1% Gel, commented: "A lack of sleep has been linked to several different disorders including heart disease, obesity, type-2 diabetes and a compromised immune system. So it's important that sleep is a priority. However, so many Brits are struggling, with pain clearly being a literal sore point that's impacting the nation's shut-eye," reports the Mirror.

A recent study has disclosed that over half of Brits (52%) are plagued by lower back aches, with 35% and 30% grappling with shoulder and neck issues respectively. Joint pain is another prevalent issue, with nearly half reporting knee pain, 41% dealing with lower back discomfort, and 24% attributing their pain to their hips.

The research underscores the physical discomfort causing sleep deprivation across the UK. A range of factors contribute to these aches and pains, with 30% stemming from sports injuries and 29% due to age-related problems, according to the Express.

Over a quarter of those surveyed also endure pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, while 21% link their discomfort to work-related injuries. Intriguingly, the relationship between pain and sleep appears somewhat contradictory.

More than a third (34%) reported that their pain intensifies if their sleep is disrupted, yet 85% believe that substandard sleep extends the duration of muscle and joint pain. Noel remarked: "Ultimately, we need to nip pain in the bud so the nation can get their sleep back on track! The Amgesic Pain Relief 1% Gel survey has revealed that a staggering 98% of working Brits have suffered from muscle and/or joint pain, so something needs to be done."

Stretches to try before bed for better sleep

He recommended some stretches to try before hitting the hay for improved slumber. Noel suggested: "Stretching is a great way to help ease tight, sore muscles and help alleviate muscle and joint pain. Give these a try before bed."

The Seated Spinal Twist is ideal for loosening up your back, glutes, hips, shoulders and neck. Sit on the floor with legs extended in front of you to start. Then, bend your right knee placing your right foot outside your left thigh. Wrap your left arm around your right thigh and use your right hand behind you on the floor for added support if needed.

Gently twist to your right, feel the stretch through your back, and hold for 30 seconds. Don't forget to switch sides.

For stretching out the back and hips, the Cat-Cow Stretch is spot on. Come onto all fours, making sure your wrists are underneath your shoulders and knees under your hips.

When you exhale, arch your spine skyward and peek through your thighs. Inhale and let your belly sink, bringing your gaze upwards. This should be done 20 times in total.

Lastly, the Neck Twist focuses on your neck and shoulders. Rest your left hand on your lower back, palm outwards. Lean your head to the right and downwards. Assist gently with your right hand, pulling down to stretch the left side of your neck.

Stick with it for 20 seconds then swap over. Repeat as needed.

The Door Frame Assisted Chest Stretch is a key move designed to open up your chest, shoulders and back while honing in on better posture. Kick off by positioning yourself in the arch of a door frame.

Get those forearms square on the doorframe, watching that your shoulders and elbows are nailing those right angles. Gently push forward until you cop a hearty stretch through your chest and shoulders.

Stick with it for 20 seconds, pause for breath, and have another crack at it three times over.

Noel remarked: "There is no reason to simply put up with the discomfort and disrupted sleep caused by aching muscles and joints. Rather than build up reliance on strong painkillers, which can increase the risk of side effects and dependency, we need to provide people with a range of options for pain relief which can include topical over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products, such as Amgesic Pain Relief 1% Gel."

"It's vital we get the nation sleeping properly again, so that we can live our lives to the fullest, pain-free."