SCOTS are now going to sleep an hour-and-a-half later that they used to because they are surfing the internet and chatting to friends on their laptops, tablets and smartphones – according to a new study.
Says the broadband comparison website, broadbandchoices.co.uk, nearly half (46 per cent) of those questioned spend up to 90 minutes on laptops, tablets and smartphones in bed and that sleep time has been pushed back to midnight from 10.30pm ten years ago.
In fact, 15 per cent of respondents are having less sex “due to using tech under the covers”.
The Scots figures are from an UK-wide poll of 2,000 people.
Says broadbandchoices.co.uk: “The trend for ‘bedtime browsing’ means the average Scot is sleeping for seven-and-a-half hours less than ten years ago during a working week – that’s a staggering 360 hours a year less, as the influence of hand-held broadband technology creeps into the nation’s bedrooms.
“The favourite online nocturnal activity for 27 per cent of the population of Scotland is browsing the web, while 12 per cent choose to catch up on their favourite TV shows with on-demand TV services. One in ten (12 per cent) chat to friends and family on social networks before turning out the light.
“Unsurprisingly, the survey found that under-30s are the most active on social networks in bed, with 67 per cent of those questioned tweeting and updating Facebook from under the covers.
“Under-20s are most likely to use a smartphone at bedtime, with 25 per cent browsing the net on their handheld device.
“Not surprisingly the survey also revealed that the traditional pre-slumber pastime of reading is still the most popular with the over-60s, with nearly half of those questioned settling down with a good old-fashioned paper book before the lights go out.”
