Financial fretting is the biggest cause for lost sleep

Work problems disturb sleep for 16pc of people, while family worries disrupt sleep for a further 16pc.

Technology also has an impact, with 14pc admiting they lose valuable sleep by using a smartphone or tablet in bed, according to the first National Sleep Survey, commissioned by the King Koil bed company.

More than one in five blames staying up too long as the reason they lose sleep.

Some 18pc are regularly disturbed by children in the night and 13pc are disturbed by their partner snoring or moving excessively. Overall, only 36pc of people think they are getting enough sleep.

Only 42pc reported getting eight hours sleep at night, which is right on target, as 7-9 hours sleep is the recommended amount for optimum health.

Just 7pc get less than six hours sleep.

Seven out of 10 single people admitted to not getting enough sleep on week nights, and some regularly 'binge sleep' at the weekend with all-day lie-ins. Some 15pc reported calling in sick at work, on more than one occasion, after a sleepless night.

The month of September has been dedicated 'Sleeptember' with a campaign, backed by GP Nina Byrnes, designed to provide advice on good sleep and its health benefits.

Restorative

"We should never underestimate the restorative power of a good night's sleep. Both those having difficulty sleeping, and those who sleep with them, are affected, so it is very important to discuss the issue and seek medical advice," she said.

Solving the problem can be as simple as adopting good sleep habits, getting a new bed, or maybe changing the bedroom environment. For more disruptive sleep disorders, these can be investigated and treated at sleep clinics, she said.

A new website, Sleeptember.ie, will address common sleep problems and solutions.