In a recent survey conducted by Expert Reviews in November 2023, professionals in senior roles at work are shown to clock in more hours of sleep compared to their junior counterparts.
The study, encompassing 4270 adults (18+) in Great Britain, sheds light on the sleep patterns of individuals across various professional hierarchies.
According to the findings, individuals in top-tier positions such as chairpersons, CEOs, and directors consistently report getting a higher amount of sleep compared to both managers and non-managers. The more senior the role, the more sleep is achieved, until reaching the unique case of business owners.
The survey discloses that a staggering 77 percent of CEOs affirm they get enough sleep, in stark contrast to only 38 percent of individuals without managerial duties.
CEOs also outdo their managerial counterparts in napping, with a notable 39 percent more napping frequency than managers, 24 percent more than directors, and 36 percent more than those with no managerial responsibilities.
Are you getting less than the recommended hours of sleep?
Alarming statistics reveal that 45 percent of respondents are getting less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night, according to the NHS guidelines. Well-rested individuals, as supported by the survey, exhibit higher cognitive function, making it easier for them to perform well throughout the day.
Interestingly, owners, the pinnacle of the professional hierarchy, get the least sleep among senior roles, with only 60 percent managing 7 or more hours. Nonetheless, this still surpasses the sleep duration reported by managers and non-managers.
The survey also explores individuals’ perceptions of their sleep adequacy. Only 45 percent of owners agree that they get enough sleep, compared to a remarkable 100 percent of chairpersons and 77 percent of CEOs. Owners, it seems, share more similarities with lower-level employees than their senior counterparts when it comes to the extent to which they believe they get enough sleep.
What role does sleep play in employees’ performance?
A noteworthy addition from the survey is the correlation between sleep quality and the belief that the mattress impacts sleep. Also, 71 percent of women and 68 percent of all respondents agree that the quality of their mattress affects the quality of their sleep. The National Bed Federation recommends replacing mattresses every seven to eight years to ensure optimal comfort, space, and support.
The survey underscores the intricate relationship between professional roles, sleep patterns, and the perception of adequate rest. With sleep being a critical factor in cognitive performance, these findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of workplace seniority and its impact on overall well-being.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
