Over two in five (44%) Australians are sleep deprived with 6 or less hours of shut-eye per night on average. These are the staggering findings unearthed in new research commissioned by Pukka Teas, a global leader in organic, sustainably sourced herbal teas, crafted to support health and wellbeing.
The research reveals the three key culprits keeping 74% of us away from the eight hours sleep we really need: an addiction to late-night doomscrolling (76%), hidden caffeine intake (14%), and menopause (81%).
Australia’s leading sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo, who partnered with Pukka on this research, warns that screen time before bed is wrecking our ability to drift off.
“Blue light from phones suppresses melatonin, our sleep hormone, making it harder to fall and stay asleep,” says Ms Arezzolo.
For women over 40, menopause is another major sleep disruptor, with many struggling to nod off, and hot flushes, night sweats, and frequent trips to the bathroom interrupting sleep when they do.
Caffeine consumption is also playing a major, often sneaky, role in Aussies’ sleep debt. Caffeine consumed within 6 hours of bedtime can reduce total sleep time by up to an hour. The research found coffee (6%), black tea (5%), and even green tea (3%) among the worst caffeinated culprits.
With millions struggling to get a good night’s rest, many are turning to natural remedies, with herbal tea emerging as a simple, effective solution. Around 684,000 Australians already drink herbal tea before bed, with 486,000 saying it even helps them fall back to sleep if they wake up during the night.
“Good sleep starts with good habits – for teens, adults, and those going through menopause alike,” says Ms Arezzolo.
“Cool your room, cut caffeine in the afternoon and sip herbal tea in the evening – easy, effective and impactful.”
Pukka’s range of organic, caffeine-free herbal teas, like the bestselling Night Time blend, are expertly crafted with sleep-supporting ingredients like valerian, chamomile, and lavender, helping Aussies wind down naturally.