A recent study has unveiled a concerning trend among Brits—extreme mood swings linked to sleep deprivation; a phenomenon dubbed ‘Tangry.’ The research, commissioned by Bensons for Beds and conducted by leading sleep expert Dr. Sophie Bostock, highlights how exhaustion is fuelling irritability across the UK.
The survey, which sampled 2,000 British adults, found that a staggering 90% of respondents experience ‘Tangry’ behaviour. This term describes the irritability and anger that arise from being overly tired. Notably, 30% of participants admitted that they frequently argue with their partners due to exhaustion. An additional 18% reported feeling like a different person when they are tired.
The study also revealed that 30% of those affected resort to swearing under their breath when worn out, and the same proportion have been moved to tears by trivial issues. Other signs of ‘Tangry’ behaviour include overreacting to minor annoyances and struggling with concentration at work.
Cities with the highest levels of ‘Tangry’ residents include Brighton & Hove, Belfast, and Cardiff. In these cities, a significant proportion of the population admits to being particularly prone to irritability when sleep deprived.
To address this widespread issue, Bensons for Beds has partnered with Dr. Sophie Bostock to launch the ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme. This initiative is designed to help individuals manage their sleep better and reduce the impact of tiredness on their daily lives.
The ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme includes a series of six short, informative videos. These resources aim to educate the public on the importance of sleep and provide practical tools for improving sleep quality. The programme covers topics such as tracking sleep patterns, techniques for unwinding before bed, and strategies for getting back to sleep if interrupted.
Dr. Bostock, who is an NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow and Innovation Lead at Big Health, emphasised the link between sleep and emotional regulation. “A lack of sleep can alter the emotional control centres of the brain, making us more sensitive to stress and reducing our ability to manage our emotions effectively,” she explained.
The study also identified that typical adults manage only around six and a half hours of sleep per night, with fatigue peaking around 3pm. This chronic sleep deprivation is associated with various negative side effects, including decreased patience with others and impaired cognitive function.
Bensons for Beds hopes that the ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme will offer much-needed relief to those struggling with the effects of sleep deprivation. Lisa Richards, Head of Marketing at Bensons, stated, “Our research highlights the significant impact that sleep deprivation can have on our behaviour. We are optimistic that this new programme will help individuals improve their sleep and, consequently, their overall wellbeing.”
For more information on the ‘Sleep Calm and Carry On’ programme and to access the resources, visit Bensons for Beds.
The top 10 cities with the highest levels of ‘Tangry’ behaviour are:
- Brighton & Hove
- Belfast
- Cardiff
- Liverpool
- Oxford
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- York
This research sheds light on the growing issue of sleep-related irritability and underscores the importance of prioritising sleep for emotional and physical health.