What do you think of in bed ?

British people spend nearly a month each year lying in bed without actually sleeping, according to new research. And an average of nine days is spent engulfed in thought.

The study found that an average of more than two hours each night is spent lying in bed without actually sleeping: a total of 570 hours each year.
Of this time, 211 hours is spent thinking, compared to 153 hours having sex, the second most popular nocturnal activity.

Dr David Holmes, a social psychologist from Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "As the 21st century unfolds we will see the role of the bed expanding further. With people's lives becoming increasingly busy, the bed and the bedroom could take over from the lounge as an area where we do activities such as reading, listening to music or meditation.

"We'll also dedicate more time in bed partaking in social activities such as relaxed intimate conversations and shared experiences such as watching TV, film or listening to music."

The survey found that Britons spend 94.9 hours a year in bed watching TV, 84 hours per year reading, 59 hours per year working, and 21.9 hours per year making important decisions.

But sleep and lifestyle expert Cliff Arnall, of the British Psychological Society, said while the bed may be a good place to relax, the survey showed we have "lost the art of sleeping".

He said watching TV or working in bed can stop rapid eye movement sleep, which we need for vivid dreams.

He added: "People need to be re-educated really because people aren't taking sleep seriously enough."