One-third of UK adults say they feel more physically uncomfortable and restless at night since returning to desk-based work after their summer break – and it’s all down to bad posture
Britain’s sleep crisis is being driven by poor daytime posture – with more than half of adults struggling with regular neck or back pain.
And to make matters worse – it’s ruining our sleep as well.
A new study from sleep tech company Simba involving 2,000 UK adults reveals one in three (33%) of us report feeling more physically uncomfortable and restless at night since returning to desk-based work after their summer break.
Half (50%) acknowledge they’re now stuck to screens and laptops far more than they were during the summer months. Meanwhile, a third [33%] admit their back or neck discomfort has got worse since returning to work or university.
More than a third (35%) confess their sleep quality has deteriorated since adopting more sedentary habits with less movement. Despite these worrying findings, over 40% of respondents are actively tackling what experts call “tech neck” by adjusting their workspace setup or how they sleep, reports the Daily Star.
Medical experts explain that “tech neck” comes from built-up tension in the neck and shoulders due to prolonged screen time, which becomes especially apparent after taking a break from such activities.
Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity and Simba’s non-profit partner, cautions: “We treat posture like a 9-to-5 issue, but the impact doesn’t stop when you log off. When you take time off over summer, you tend to move more, slump less and disconnect from screens – even if just slightly.
“But the moment you’re back at your desk, those bad habits creep in. You slouch, tilt your neck, scroll endlessly – and that tension doesn’t just switch off at night. It follows you to bed.”
Keeping your head upright puts roughly 5kg of pressure on your neck.
But studies show that just a 45-degree forward lean – the position we often adopt when staring at phones or laptops – can increase that strain to a whopping 22kg, the same weight as a double mattress.
With these statistics, it’s not surprising that two-thirds [66%] of people say they experience more stiffness, restlessness, and poor sleep.
Nearly half [48%] blame their disrupted nights at least partly on bad daytime posture, yet more than a third (36%) confess they’ve never considered this link.
Lisa says: “Pain and poor sleep go hand in hand. If your neck is out of line at night, you’re more likely to toss and turn and wake up feeling worse.
“If you’re already in pain, you’re also less likely to reach the deep sleep your body needs to recover. It’s a vicious cycle.”
Lisa Artis reveals four posture-sleep solutions to tackle ‘tech neck’.
1. Move
Remaining stationary for long stretches can cause everything to seize up, especially around your neck and shoulders.
Take quick movement intervals every 45–60 minutes. Get up, stretch, or rotate your shoulders.
This will boost blood flow and stop tension from accumulating.
2. Stretch
A handful of straightforward seated movements can realign your spine and leave you feeling more relaxed by the end of the day.
Give Pigeon pose a go – Place one ankle on the opposite knee and gently lean forward. Or try Eagle arms – Cross your arms in front of your body and lift them upward for a deep shoulder stretch.
Both help to ease rigid necks and painful upper backs.
3. Better Support
Your sleeping arrangement has a major impact on how your neck and shoulders feel come morning. If you’re waking up in discomfort, your pillow or mattress could be to blame.
Maintaining your spine in a neutral position is crucial, this means your head, neck, and back are all aligned whilst you sleep.
Simba says its Hybrid pillow is designed to support better alignment. You can adjust the filling to suit your sleep style, so whether you sleep on your side, back, or a bit of both, it helps keep your head at the right height and your spine supported.
Combine it with a supportive mattress like the firm’s Hybrid model, and you’re giving your body the best chance at proper overnight recovery.
4. Right Position
If you’ve developed “tech neck”, back or side sleeping is optimal. These positions place the least strain on your spine.
Steer clear of sleeping on your tummy – it forces your head into awkward angles and can leave you stiff in the morning. Get your pillow height just right: not too high, not too flat.
That’s how you keep your neck in line and pain-free by morning. “It’s not just how you sleep that affects your rest,” says Lisa.
“It’s how you live. Fixing your daytime habits, from posture to screen use to movement, sets your body up for better, deeper sleep.”