Most Brits struggle to sleep properly (Image: Getty Images)
Nearly half of Brits have tried viral social media “sleep hacks” in the past year – from avoiding screens at bedtime to more unusual tips like eating a kiwi before bed or even putting onions in their socks.
A study of 2,000 UK adults found people have attempted an average of two different sleep methods they’ve seen online over the last 12 months. The most common included avoiding blue light before bed (39%), listening to white, brown or “sleep” noise (31%) and drinking herbal tea (28%).
Others said they had tried influencer-led trends such as “sleepy girl” mocktails, tart cherry juice and eating kiwi fruit before bed – with a small number even attempting to sleep with onions in their socks overnight.
The research formed part of a wider survey of 13,000 adults across 12 countries and found the UK is relatively cautious about sleep trends.
In Britain, 48% said they had tried sleep hacks in the last year, compared with a global average of 71%, with higher uptake reported in countries including the USA, Australia, France and China.
Despite social media being a major source of wellness advice, the poll suggests many popular tips aren’t making a noticeable difference for most people who try them.
Only 31% said avoiding blue light/screens before bed improved their sleep, 26% said white noise helped, 17% said magnesium sprays, oils or supplements helped , and 14% said sleep-tracking devices were effective.
The more viral trends scored lowest. Just 5% said “sleepy girl” mocktails, tart cherry juice or eating kiwi before bed worked for them, dropping to 4% among those who tried sleeping with onions in their socks.
Avoiding blue light before bed is one of the most popular ‘hacks’ (Image: Getty Images)
The OnePoll research also found 16% had followed a sleep trend and later discovered it wasn’t backed by science.
Two-thirds (66%) of UK adults said social media makes wellness advice harder to trust. Even so, 26% admitted they have followed online sleep tips despite doubting their own ability to spot misinformation.
Sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo said: “It is important to give ourselves the best chance of a successful night’s sleep as we wind down in the evenings.
“Sorting fact from fiction and uncovering which viral fads are worth your time can feel like a minefield.
“While some popular sleep hacks have a scientific basis, many are oversimplified, exaggerated or simply ineffective.”
The findings come as Arezzolo partners with Novotel to launch a sleep masterclass as part of the hotel chain’s worldwide Longevity Week, running 7–13 September.
Other partners include Olympic surf champion Kauli Vaast, food creator and recipe developer Alfie Steiner, Paris-Saint Germain Legend and ex-footballer Javier Pastore and wildlife photographer and marine biologist Kaushiik Subramaniam.
Arezzolo added: “We want to help people take a more informed approach to wellbeing by sharing practical, science-backed habits that can make a real difference to everyday health.
“Good sleep isn’t about finding a miracle cure or viral shortcut. It’s about building sustainable routines that work for you and understanding that the choices you make each day can have a lasting impact on your long-term wellbeing.
“That’s why the week will explore how small, everyday choices around eating, sleeping, moving and connecting with others can support better long-term wellbeing.
“With practical advice and inspiration from the Novotel 37 Collective – a team of experts sharing simple, achievable ways to help people sleep better, feel better and support healthier, longer lives.”
The study also found growing interest in long-term health, with 65% saying they’re more focused on it than five years ago and 69% believing enough sleep is vital for a longer, healthier life. But many are struggling.
More than half (56%) said they wouldn’t describe their current sleep pattern as good quality, and 39% said they wish they were better at getting enough sleep.
