Workers in UK losing sleep over job fears

LONDON: Employees lose an hour and a quarter's sleep every night worrying in bed about their jobs, a new UK survey has found.

Over a fifth of workers have called in sick after staying up all night worrying about work, researchers found.

Heavy workloads and fears over job security are main reasons that keep workers up at night.

However, senior managers lose the least sleep and go to the office refreshed after an average of seven-and-a-half hours' shut-eye.

Bankers, teachers and nurses are the worst affected, according to the study of 2,000 British workers by Travelodge, the 'Daily Express' reported.

"Frequently not getting enough sleep has strong negative effects on health and performance," said Stevie Williams of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre.

"Relaxation techniques such as meditating, having long showers or baths and avoiding caffeine can all help," Williams said.