Brits running on autopilot – new research

Brits running on autopilot until 10.30am

says new research published for Better Breakfast Week

The average Briton wakes at 6.30am, but the majority of us aren’t fully functioning until four hours later at 10.30am, research published during Better Breakfast Week reveals. And it looks like the finger of blame is pointed firmly at skipping breakfast and a lack of sleep.

The new study by Better Brekkie partner New Zealand Honey Co reveals that despite the majority (38 per cent) of Brits citing breakfast as the most important meal of the day, a third (33 per cent) skip breakfast four times a week or more. As a result Brits are not at their most productive until roughly two hours into the working day, with a shocking 80 per cent of us saying we are ‘too tired’ to fully function during the week.

The research confirms we’re certainly not a nation of morning lovers; one in five (21 per cent) of Brits hit the snooze button three times or more before rising and more than one in ten (13 per cent) of us don’t even have a conversation with another human being until an hour-and-a-half after waking up.

The female of the species is more grumpy than the male…

It seems that women fair worse than men when it comes to taking on the day. More than a quarter (29 per cent) admit to being grumpy because they’re still half asleep, compared to just 18 per cent of men.  Women are also more forgetful when they’re not firing on all cylinders; almost one in five (18 per cent) will burn the toast and more than one in ten (12 per cent) have caused a potential hazard by leaving their hair straighteners on.

A state of deep un-sleep

With just a quarter of Britons getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, it’s no surprise that for those who don’t it’s having a knock on effect to their alertness levels throughout the day. A third of women (30 per cent) get upwards of eight hours of sleep a night compared to just a fifth of men (20 per cent).

Breakfast a dying tradition

75 per cent confessed to getting their morning energy boost from caffeine filled drinks  - as opposed to a traditional healthy breakfast. What’s more it seems age plays a difference in our morning routine; Over 55’s are breakfast enthusiasts, with 60 per cent enjoying a morning meal seven times a week, whereas only 36 per cent of 18-24’s bother with breakfast every day, due to busier lifestyles.

Nutritionist Amanda Hamilton, commented on the findings: “The age old cliché that breakfast is the most important meal of the day really is true. Without the nutrients our food provides us with, the body isn’t getting the fuel it needs to function – so it’s no wonder Brits are feeling so exhausted!”

New Zealand Honey Co and nutritionist Amanda Hamilton are encouraging Brits to re-discover breakfast, to encourage a healthy start to the day during Better Breakfast Week (24th-30th September) and boost the nation’s productivity.

Brits confess to morning misdemeanours

The poll of Brit’s morning habits by New Zealand Honey Co reveals the top 10 things that we’re guilty of when we wake up, due to a lack of get-up-and-go.

1. Being grumpy just because you’re tired

2. Forgetting your mobile phone

3. Burning your toast

4. Going to the fridge, but then forgetting what you went there for

5. Sleeping through your alarm

6. Stubbing your toe on a table

7. Putting on odd socks

8. Losing your house or car keys

9. Forgetting to lock your door

10. Spilling coffee on your clothes

Amanda Hamilton’s top tips for a successful morning

1. Get enough sleep – a lack of sleep can have a domino affect on our whole day, including our eating habits and weight – aim for eight hours per night.

2. Eat your evening meal before 7.00pm – avoid going to bed on a full stomach, or eating things that might irritate your digestive system when sleeping as this will affect the quality of your sleep.

3. Don’t rely on caffeine to wake you up – despite the initial wake up jolt coffee gives you, the possible side affects such as anxiety, disrupted sleep and a caffeine crash at lunchtime, means it isn’t worth it! Try eating an apple instead. Apple’s contain the natural sugar fructose that will energise you without bringing you crashing down.

4. Avoid refined sugar – Sugar can give you a boost but leave you trailing off later on in the day when you need your brain to be functioning the most.

5. Have a productive morning – Keeping your brain active from the word go sets you on a good path for the rest of the day.

6. Get some daylight – daylight helps wake you up and a dose of vitamin D can actually make you feel happier.

7. Don’t stress out – The thought of a busy day ahead can get our blood pressure up.

8. Be organised – Whether it’s preparing your lunch the night before, or checking the kids are ready for school, these little things make a big difference.

9. Exercise – Having a quick run in the morning, before breakfast, not only clears your head and wakes you up, but it is also a great fat burning method.

10. Make time for yourself – wake up in enough time to carry out your morning routine without having to run around like a headless chicken. Play some of your favourite music, or read your favourite newspaper. I guarantee it will put you in a lighter frame of mind!