Four hours a night: London’s sleep deficit

Shock figures for third of us … but at least we’re more likely to go to gym

THE poor state of London’s health was revealed today by figures showing that one-third of Londoners get between four and six hours of sleep a night.

A survey published by the Nuffield Trust also found that nearly four in 10 people in the capital had called in sick at work because of mental health at least once in the past year, higher than the national average.

More than 2,000 Londoners were surveyed as part of Nuffield’s healthier nation index, a comprehensive annual survey tracking changes in exercise habits and general health across the country. Some 46 per cent of those surveyed in London felt their sleep quality had got worse in the past year, while 44 per cent said they sleep less. Scientists recommend that people sleep for at least eight hours a night to prevent long-term health issues.

Work was found to be a significant barrier for Londoners (48 per cent) to do exercise than for the rest of the nation, while 36 per cent of people in the capital said looking after children was a barrier — higher than the national average of 29 per cent. Londoners were also found to be more likely to experience loneliness than the rest of Britain, with a quarter of respondents citing a lack of meaningful relationships.

Pooja Kumari, from Nuffield Health, told the Standard: “London offers so many opportunities for our career and social life, but it can also really take its toll on our mental health.

“Many Londoners are grappling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. And I think those are factors which can be compounded by reduced access to green space and nature or air pollution, which can all exacerbate stress and anxiety.”

However, the survey also found that Londoners were five per cent more likely to exercise in the gym than the national average, and four per cent more likely to play team sports.

Those with a higher average household income were far more likely to exercise regularly.

Ms Kumari said: “For Londoners, cost is a huge barrier to exercise. So while it is encouraging to see that people are more active, it is clear that more needs to be done to overcome these barriers.”