More than half of workers have transformed their bedrooms into makeshift offices during lockdown, according to new research.
The survey of 2,000 adults who are working from home examined how they have adapted after offices were forced to close in March.
More than half (54 per cent) of those questioned by Premier Inn say the bedroom is the only place they can get some peace and quiet, so have turned it into a workspace. As a result, one in five (20 per cent) are now snacking in their beds more often – and 18 per cent have even worn pyjamas on a video call.
The research was carried out to highlight the importance of differentiating between a work and sleep environment.
Workers have been improving their bedroom office by splashing out on new items such as a desk chair (13 per cent), house plants (12 per cent) and a new desk (10 per cent), with a comfy pillow to lean on (17 per cent) being another vital addition.
With no need to commute, 52 per cent said their bedtime and wake-up routines had dramatically changed, with a third getting more sleep. But just under half of those polled said waking up to a messy bedroom puts them in a bad mood for the day.
Sarah Simpson, head of sleep at Premier Inn, said: “We welcome millions of guests every year and no one understands better than us the importance of getting a great night’s sleep –which is why we take such great care in getting all of the details in the bedroom right.
“From the lighting to the paint colours – nothing is overlooked.
“As the bed expert for Premier Inn, part of my role is ensuring the bedroom environment is optimum for sleeping– this includes the comfort of the mattress, but also the pillows and duvets.
“As more and more people are working from their bedroom it is important to have a bed that supports you for both work and sleep and that your bedroom environment is set up to support both uses.
“From starting your day right by getting out of your pyjamas to winding down and getting into crisp, clean (crumb free) sheets, there are loads of things you can do, and we have a whole host of tips to help you get the best night’s sleep possible.”
With many starting to head back to work over the coming weeks it is also time to reclaim bedrooms for what they are meant for – sleep.
Sarah Simpson, Premier Inn’s Head of Sleep’s top 10 tips for optimising your bedroom environment and differentiating between work and sleep time, as well tips for getting a great night’s sleep:
1. Tidy away pyjamas and make your bed. Being organised from the get-go, puts you in the right frame of mind to do your best work
2. Create a different environment for work. Consider covering the bed with a throw and making sure you have a supportive pillow.
3. Avoid snacking or eating in bed while working
4. Pack away all work equipment when the working day has finished
5. Eat your dinner away from your bedroom if you can
6. Relax your body and mind. Try to ensure you switch off all devices and laptops.
7. Replace your pillow regularly, have higher cotton count bed linen and ensure your mattress has sufficient support
8. Ventilate your room
9. Minimising light in your bedroom is important for drifting off, whereas blue light inhibits the production of melatonin, darkness actually stimulates the production of this important sleep regulating hormone.
10. Have regular wake and sleep times
Premier Inn has launched its CleanProtect enhanced hygiene promise ahead of its hotels in England beginning a phased reopening in July.
To find out more visit www.premierinn.com/ReclaimYourBedroom
