A recent study has shed light on the morning habits of Britons, revealing that the average person wakes up at 7:12 AM. The research, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of a sleep brand, surveyed 2,000 UK adults to understand their morning routines.
Snooze Button and Phone Habits
According to the study, 43% of Brits admit to hitting the snooze button at least once, with the average snooze session lasting 10 minutes. Additionally, 1 in 5 people check their phones immediately upon waking, before even getting out of bed. This habit is more common among younger generations, with 28% of 18-24-year-olds reaching for their phones first thing.
The research also found that the average morning routine takes 45 minutes from waking to leaving the house, with women spending slightly longer (50 minutes) compared to men (40 minutes).
Morning Beverages and Breakfast
The study highlighted that 72% of Brits start their day with a cup of tea or coffee, with tea being the preferred choice for 54% of respondents. Only 34% of people eat breakfast every day, while 12% skip it entirely. Among those who do eat breakfast, the most popular options are cereal (28%), toast (24%), and porridge (15%).
Interestingly, 1 in 10 Brits admit to eating breakfast at their desk or while commuting, rather than at home.
Exercise and Screen Time
Just 18% of respondents said they exercise in the morning, with walking being the most common activity (10%), followed by yoga or stretching (4%). The study also found that the average Brit spends 15 minutes on their phone before getting out of bed, and a total of 30 minutes on screens (phone, tablet, or TV) before leaving the house.
According to a spokesperson for the sleep brand, "The morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day, and it's fascinating to see how Brits choose to spend that time. From hitting snooze to scrolling through social media, our habits can have a significant impact on our productivity and wellbeing."
Regional Differences
The study also uncovered regional variations in morning routines. People in London wake up the earliest, at an average of 6:45 AM, while those in the South West are the latest risers, waking at 7:30 AM. Northerners are more likely to eat a cooked breakfast (12%) compared to Southerners (7%), and Scots are the most likely to skip breakfast entirely (15%).
Overall, the research paints a detailed picture of how Brits begin their day, highlighting both commonalities and differences across the country.
