New research published by WHOOP, the human performance company, shows Irish members have earned the unenviable title of the world’s worst sleepers, according to its 2024 Year in Review report.
The report shows that Irish members, who use WHOOP wearable technology to track activity, recovery, stress, and sleep, recorded the lowest average REM sleep globally, clocking in at just 20.5% of our nightly sleep stages. REM sleep, a critical stage for cognitive function and emotional processing, remains elusive for many in Ireland. Belgium and the Netherlands follow closely behind, with averages of 20.6% and 20.8%, respectively.
Regional insights provide a more nuanced view of the nation’s sleep habits. Counties such as Wicklow, Cavan, and Sligo led the charge in sleep performance, with Wicklow achieving an impressive overall average sleep score of 80.47%. These disparities suggest that local factors—ranging from lifestyle to environmental influences—may play a significant role in determining sleep quality.
Despite poor Irish results, global trends show an increased awareness of the importance of sleep by younger generations. WHOOP data shows Generation Z (born between 1997-2012) leads in REM sleep globally, with an average of 21.54%. This is closely followed by Millennials (1981 – 1996) at 21.45%. Gen X members (1965-1980) averaged 19.9%, while Boomers (1955 –1964) trailed further behind with just 18.4%.
These findings suggest that younger generations are carrying the torch for good sleep quality, not just in Ireland, but across the globe. In contrast, older generations, while often consistent in their sleep schedules, may face greater challenges in achieving deep, restorative rest.
To combat this challenge and enable members to get the best quality sleep possible to aid optimal performance, the best sleepers on WHOOP recommend the following:
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Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving the quality of your sleep.
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Create an Ideal Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Using blackout curtains, eye masks, earplugs, and maintaining a comfortable mattress and pillow can contribute to more restful sleep.
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Establish a Bedtime Routine: Engaging in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, practicing deep breathing, or taking a warm bath, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, helping you fall asleep more easily.
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Reduce Screen Time in the Evening: Limiting exposure to screens in the evening reduces blue light exposure, which can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with sleep. Aim to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
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Monitor Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption: Drinking caffeine in the afternoon can negatively affect sleep quality, and alcohol is often reported to disrupt sleep patterns. Limiting these substances, especially in the hours before bed, can enhance your sleep.
As holistic wellness takes centre stage, Briain Curtin, VP of Global Marketing at WHOOP, highlighted the company’s growing influence in Ireland and the rise in member engagement in 2024: “As WHOOP grows in Ireland, it’s inspiring to see members deeply engaging with their health data. With more robust and personalised insights provided by WHOOP, members are recognising the importance of sleep, recovery, and rest for performance, which is a huge step forward. These trends not only reflect national progress but also empower individuals to make lasting health changes, and perform at their personal best, which is ultimately our goal.”
By addressing the specific challenges Irish members face, highlighted in this year’s report, WHOOP aims to empower Irish members to unlock their full potential not just in 2025, but for many years to come.
To learn more about WHOOP and access a comprehensive library of helpful blogs, exercises and expert interviews to help you reach your wellness goals in 2025, please visit www.whoop.ie
