We’ve all been there: lying in bed, staring at the ceiling at 3AM, brain buzzing with thoughts that refuse to switch off. For young people across the UK, getting quality sleep has become less of a given and more of a battle — a restless routine that’s hurting everything from their mood and memory to their mental health and motivation.
Sleep deprivation isn’t just about feeling tired in the morning. It’s deeper than that — a quiet, creeping issue that’s impacting our generation more than ever before. And the truth is, many of us are suffering in silence.
So, What’s Actually Going On?
According to recent studies, nearly 1 in 5 young people aged 16–24 in the UK struggles with chronic sleep issues. It’s not just about being a night owl or staying up scrolling — for some, insomnia is a genuine mental and physical health concern. And while older generations often chalk it up to “just bad habits,” there’s way more to the story.
So why is sleep becoming such a major struggle?
1. The Pressure Cooker of Modern Life
Let’s be real — life’s heavy right now. Whether you’re finishing uni, trying to get a job in a market that’s colder than ever, or hustling to make your passion pay, the stress is constant. And stress doesn’t clock out at night. Instead, it shows up at bedtime as racing thoughts, anxiety, and the inability to unwind.
For many young people, the worry never stops:
- “What if I don’t get a job?”
- “Am I falling behind?”
- “Will I ever be financially stable?”
When your brain’s constantly in fight-or-flight mode, sleep takes a back seat.
2. Screen Time Is Stealing Sleep Time
We live online — TikTok, Insta, YouTube, Snapchat, Netflix — the feed never ends. And while scrolling might seem like the perfect way to unwind, the blue light from screens literally confuses your brain into thinking it’s daytime.
Add the dopamine hits from constant notifications and the FOMO of comparing your life to curated online highlight reels, and it’s no wonder sleep feels impossible. Social media has become both our comfort and our curse.
3. Mental Health and Sleep: A Two-Way Street
Here’s the part not enough people talk about: poor sleep and mental health are deeply connected. Young people dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or ADHD are far more likely to have trouble falling or staying asleep. But at the same time, not getting enough sleep can make those mental health challenges even worse.
It’s a vicious cycle:
- Anxiety keeps you up at night.
- Lack of sleep makes anxiety worse the next day.
- Rinse and repeat.
Without intervention or support, it can feel like there’s no way out.
4. Economic Insecurity = Restless Nights
Money worries are real. And when you’re stressed about paying rent, juggling multiple jobs, or stuck in unemployment limbo after graduating, sleep often becomes a casualty.
Young people from low-income or working-class backgrounds are particularly affected. If your home isn’t a peaceful space, or you’ve had to move back into crowded housing, a good night’s rest becomes a luxury — not a given.
5. Hustle Culture Glorifies Burnout
We live in a culture where sleep is often seen as weakness. “Grind now, rest later” is romanticised on social media. But the truth is, sleep is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. The hustle is real, yes. But if you’re not sleeping, you’re not functioning at your full potential.
Many young entrepreneurs, students, and creatives are running on fumes. And while society claps for the 4AM risers and all-nighters, it rarely shows the mental breakdowns that follow.
So… What’s the Impact?
Sleep deprivation hits different. For young people, the consequences are deep and widespread:
- Poor academic/work performance – You can’t focus if your brain is foggy.
- Worsened mental health – Lack of sleep amplifies stress, sadness, and anxiety.
- Risky decision-making – Sleep affects impulse control, increasing risk-taking behaviours.
- Physical health issues – From weakened immunity to long-term heart risks.
Even more importantly, not getting enough rest chips away at your self-esteem and sense of control. When you feel exhausted all the time, everything starts to feel harder — friendships, responsibilities, dreams.
So… What Can Be Done?
First, we need to stop treating sleep like it’s optional. For young people especially, rest is revolutionary.
Here are a few ways to start taking your sleep seriously:
1. Create a Wind-Down Routine
Set a time every night to unplug. Light a candle. Stretch. Journal. Read something non-digital. Your brain needs signals that the day is done.
2. Limit Nighttime Scrolling
It’s hard — we know. But if you can power down your phone 30 minutes before bed, your sleep quality will improve drastically.
3. Talk About It
If anxiety or depression is keeping you up, speak to someone. A friend, a counsellor, a GP. Sleep issues are often signs of deeper challenges.
4. Reframe the Hustle
Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your rest is just as productive as your work. Sleep fuels your success — not the other way around.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Normalize Rest
Young people are facing pressures that previous generations never had to navigate. Between the job crisis, online overwhelm, and mental health struggles, it’s no surprise that sleep has become a nightly fight.
But here’s the truth: rest is a right, not a reward. If you’re struggling to sleep, you’re not alone — and it’s not a weakness. It’s a sign that your body and mind need care, not criticism.
So let’s stop glamorising the grind and start celebrating those who prioritise their peace. Because in a world that never stops moving, choosing rest is one of the most powerful things you can do.
https://www.vox.com/explain-it-to-me/400087/how-to-sleep-better-chronotypes-night-owl
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