NEW research has found 41 per cent of Brits refusing to turn their camera on for a work call because of a bad night's sleep.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults found more than a quarter (28 per cent) say a bad night's sleep had affected their mental health – with the figure rising to 50 per cent for those aged 18 to 24.

The research by Furniture Village looked at the dangerous and worrying consequences of a bad night’s sleep.

It comes as the furniture company has partnered up with The Sleep Charity to launch the UK's first dedicated helpline for people who struggle to sleep.

The helpline will be operated by specialist, trained advisors between 7pm and 9pm five days a week, Sunday to Thursday.

It will provide callers with helpful tips and advice so they can identify appropriate strategies, talk through their problems and try and point them in the direction of other organisations and services for specialist or long-term support.

Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, said: “It’s clear that the great British public is in the midst of a sleep crisis which is affecting national mental health, work performance and even leading to alcohol misuse.

“Almost 60 per cent of those surveyed felt that there was a lack of support for their sleep issues, which is why we have partnered with Furniture Village to set up the UK’s first National Sleep Helpline.

“Together we want to ensure that everyone has access to high quality, evidence-based advice regardless of age, ethnicity, background or income.”

The average UK adult suffers nine bad nights’ sleep per month – equating to around 500 MILLION across the country each month, but there is limited support.

Half of those polled via OnePoll said a bad night’s sleep affected their motivation, with 30 per cent suffering sore eyes and 29 per cent had aching joints as a result.

And 15 per cent have taken several days off work over the past three months because of bad sleep.

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Four in 10 (42 per cent) are regularly drinking caffeine-based drinks to make up for a lack of shuteye – having four per day on average.

Overall, almost half (48 per cent) said companies should offer support for staff who have trouble sleeping.

And a third (35 per cent) say their sleep issues and those of their children make them feel lonely and isolated.

Dr Ranj Singh, Sleep and Wellness Ambassador for Furniture Village, said: “Sleep is as integral to our wellbeing as diet and exercise, and it’s concerning to see just how many people are struggling with issues relating to a lack of it.

“Giving the nation access to expert sleep advice an incredible way to tackle this countrywide issue and we’re proud to be partnering with The Sleep Charity to help facilitate it.”

The helpline will be available to anyone experiencing sleep difficulties, with the team listening to callers with empathy and providing evidence-based sleep information.

People looking for help and support from the sleep helpline, which launches today, should call 03303 530 541.

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