By Vanessa Mangru // SWNS

NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC

More than half of Americans would hook up with someone who looks like their favorite celebrity, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 Americans looked at hookup preferences and found that while the average respondent had the most hookups at age 27, 64% still have an interest in relationships that have “no strings attached.”

Although respondents don’t like when things get messy, one in five still make a point to get to know the people they hook up with (22%), preferably before getting hot and heavy (52%).

Three in four said it’s important that their hookup is polite and has good communication skills (both 76%). People also value others who have similar moral views (21%).

Half of respondents (49%) said they value looks and personality equally when choosing a hookup, while nearly a quarter admitted a person’s looks (23%), including smile (62%), body type (60%) or eyes (59%) are the most attractive qualities to them.

On the other hand, two-thirds of respondents size up their hookup’s style (67%) and nearly half are more likely to hook up with someone who posts “racy” photos online (49%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of HUD App, the survey also looked at how people factor in compatibility for their hookups and found that 69% would only start a “no strings attached” relationship with someone they had chemistry with. Another 77% believe that sexual compatibility is important in a hookup.

Forty-three percent of respondents have even exited in the middle of hooking up with someone after realizing they weren’t compatible in the bedroom.

People had a few different definitions of what it means to be compatible, including being “able to connect,” “being able to live together” or even “being able to smoothly do ‘the dance of life.’”

“Compatibility is key to making a meaningful connection with someone, whether it’s for a casual encounter or a dating relationship,” said Katie Wilson, HUD dating app’s communications director. “Be intentional about looking for someone you’re compatible with – your dating life will be better if you avoid time-wasters right from the start.”

Two in three Americans thought they were so compatible with a previous hookup that they wished they could have a relationship with them afterward.

Another 68% admitted they’re likely to develop romantic feelings for someone they hook up with. That’s why 18% of respondents rarely or never hook up with the same person more than once — citing that they “don’t want unnecessary attachment,” “it may lead to uncomfortable scenarios” or “because it’s no longer hooking up.”

Compatibility especially matters for 74% who said they’d hook up with someone more than once if they had great chemistry.

And two in three would be open to getting a friend’s opinion on whether someone is a good or bad fit for a hookup.

Speaking of friends, half of Americans said they’d be willing to hook up with a friend and 46% said they’d do so with an ex.

However, a third of people would rather hook up with someone on a website/app match (32%) because it’s more exciting (69%), they’re looking to meet someone new (64%) or because they’re not interested in anyone they know (53%).

“Who doesn’t love that electrifying thrill you feel when you’re hooking up with someone you’re newly attracted to?” said Wilson. “Being open to new people and experiences can stimulate unexpected, exhilarating connections and infuse your dating life with excitement.”

PHYSICAL QUALITIES PEOPLE CARE ABOUT WHEN HOOKING UP

1. Smile (62%)
2. Body type (60%)
3. Eyes (59%)
4. Hair (43%)
5. Voice (37%)

Statistics from Google search figures show that people in the UK searched for a simple pancake recipe up to 368,000 times a month in the past four years, with that number rising to 522,000 times a month on average in 2021.

Other popular recipes people are keen to learn via the internet are chicken curry, fajitas and carbonara – with 49,500 searches each on average each month since 2017.

And research of 2,000 adults found 62 per cent regularly turn to the internet when they’re trying to find a recipe – as only eight per cent have NEVER used the world wide web for cookery help.

The research, commissioned by Birds Eye [https://www.birdseye.co.uk/recipes/food-inspiration/recipe-searches-survey], also found despite the average household owning seven cookery books, half of those polled find it easier to use an online recipe.

While one in twenty (six per cent) even admitted to using cookery books for display purposes only.

But 43 per cent have been inspired by social media to try out a new recipe, with Facebook and Instagram being the most popular.

A spokesperson from Birds Eye said: “After the challenges and changes to our daily habits we’ve all encountered over the last 18 months, it’s incredibly interesting to understand what meals the nation is now searching for and how they’re searching for them.

“Chicken breast recipes have been a midweek staple for many years, being a great option for a meal-for-one to catering for a dinner party, but the huge increase in searches for these following lockdown suggests how we are now more eager than ever to experiment with new recipes.”

There have also been shifts in recipe searches during the pandemic, with ‘simple chicken breast recipes for dinner’ seeing a 4,900 per cent increase in searches when comparing data from August 2019 to July 2020, with August 2020 to July 2021 – while searches for ‘chicken pasta recipes for dinner’ have also risen by 1,106 per cent.

The average adult estimates they search for seven recipes online each month, and that they would be ‘lost’ without the Internet when it comes to cooking.

A quarter were also guilty of using the internet to search for really simple instructions, such as how to boil an egg.

And 38 per cent of those polled via OnePoll said they have discovered their favourite recipes on the internet.

The spokesperson added:  “Social media has been a great way for us to reach a new audience with exciting and delicious chicken grills recipes.”

50 most searched for recipes and average monthly searches:

1. Recipe for pancakes   368000

2. Fish and chips              201000

3. Recipe for banana bread         135000

4. Recipe for scones       135000

5. Recipe for Yorkshire pudding 135000

6. Recipe pizza dough    90500

7. Fish pie           74000

8. Chicken breast recipes             60500

9. Chicken curry 49500

10. Chicken thigh recipes             49500

11. Fajitas           49500

12. Thai green curry       49500

13. Recipe American pancakes   49500

14. Recipe carbonara     49500

15. Recipe for chilli con carne     49500

16. Recipe hummus       49500

17. Recipe paella             49500

18. Chicken casserole     40500

19. Chicken tikka masala             40500

20. Katsu curry  40500

21. Roast chicken            40500

22. Recipe apple crumble            40500

23. Recipe guacamole    40500

24. Recipe lasagna          40500

25. Recipe macaroni cheese        40500

26. Recipe quiche           40500

27. Recipe toad in the hole         40500

28. Recipe victoria sponge           40500

29. Recipe with courgette            40500

30. Recipe with minced beef       40500

31. Butter chicken           33100

32. Coq au vin   33100

33. Hunter chicken         33100

34. Chickpea curry          33100

35. Fish tacos     33100

36. Sea bass recipe         33100

37. Recipe cottage pie    33100

38. Veg soups    33100

39. Vegetable curry        33100

40. Vegetarian roast       33100

41. Chicken pie  27100

42. Coronation chicken  27100

43. Jerk chicken 27100

44. Kung pao chicken     27100

45. Sweet and sour chicken         27100

46. Tandoori chicken      27100

47. Onion bhaji 27100

48. Thai red curry            27100

49. Chicken and leek pie              22200

50. Chicken biryani         22200

A study of 2,000 adults who have a cat or dog revealed 22 per cent think nothing of sharing meals with their pet, and six per cent even have baths together.

While a staggering 97 per cent let their pet ‘kiss’ them, another 67 per cent allow theirs on the sofa, with 58 per cent admitting their pooch has its own spot.

Others let their pet walk mud through the house after going outside, cuddle up with their children and even lick the plates clean after meals.

As a result, 40 per cent believe their lives are less hygienic since they got a pet, with 42 per cent admitting their cat or dog ‘rules the household’.

And 43 per cent have given up on keeping their homes germ-free thanks to their pet, despite a fifth (17 per cent) worrying about the germs they bring in.

Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) even believe their pets are messier than their children.

A spokesman for Vileda, which commissioned the research, said: “People are very close to their pets, which is natural and understandable.

“However, it’s interesting to see just how close people are with their pets, and how this means owners are overlooking some of the unhygienic and germ-filled behaviours.

“It’s true that there are some behaviours you can’t get away from – 36 per cent of pets track mud into the house for example, and 21 per cent will walk on the kitchen worktables – but there are easy, and quick hygienic ways of cleaning to stay on top of this.

“Just because you might not be able to see some dirt and germs doesn’t mean they aren’t there, so regular cleans are a must when you have pets – and making sure these cleans are quick and efficient means you’ll stay on top of it.”

The study also found those who let their cat or dog sleep in bed with them do so an average of four times a week, while 44 per cent admit this happens every night.

While 49 per cent have their pet at, or under, the dinner table with them so they can eat meals together.

Nearly six in 10 have tried to stop their pet doing ‘unhygienic’ things, but 28 per cent admit they can’t resist the looks they give them.

Instead, many have taken to cleaning their home more regularly, with the average owner spending 44 minutes a week simply cleaning up after their pet – on top of the usual household chores.

Hoovering, treating for fleas and mopping the floors to clean muddy footprints were found to be among the most common cleaning tasks.

And a dedicated 56 per cent have tried to wipe their cat or dog’s paws after they have been outside.

But the study, carried out via OnePoll, found 22 per cent feel embarrassed about their home and how unhygienic it may be due to their cat or dog.

And 29 per cent have even been told that their house has a ‘pet smell’, with 29 per cent even receiving comments from their postman.

TV’s Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, worked with Vileda on the study and added: “Pets aren’t the tidiest of house guests: they leave a trail of fur in their wake, walk all over the counter tops, enjoy a good foot lick, and somehow manage to get mud everywhere.

“But pets are part of the family, and unsurprisingly 93 per cent of pet owners agree with me, so we have a tendency to just “put up with” these unhygienic habits.

“Even my own dog, Hetty, can be a little terror sometimes as I’m trying to keep my house clean, but I’ve worked out quick and easy hacks to combat this – especially when it comes to the infamous “dog smell”, which I’ve always worked hard to banish.

“Even something as simple as washing pet beds and bed linen more often and opening your windows for 10 minutes a day will help get rid of these nasty smells.

“We can’t often see the germs our pets bring in, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there, and so I’ve found a little every day will go a long way.”

Top 20 unhygienic things pet cats and dogs do:

1.           Sit on the sofa

2.           Sniff their owner

3.           Roll in the grass

4.           Sleep in their owner’s bed

5.           Kiss their owner/let their owner kiss them

6.           Vomit on the floor

7.           Walk mud around the house after a walk/being outside with dirty paws

8.           Bring in things from outside such as dirt etc.

9.           Lick their owner’s face

10.         Cuddle up with their owner’s children

11.         Leave dirty pet toys on the floor

12.         Bring dead animals into the house

13.         Lick the floor to find food

14.         Lick their owner’s feet

15.         Share their owner’s food

16.         Walk on the kitchen worktops

17.         Have a dirty food or water bowl in the house

18.         Dig holes

19.         Lick the plates clean

20.         Slobber/drool on their owner/furniture

Lynsey Crombie’s tips for a clean home with a pet

1.           Use washing up gloves to get pet hair out of carpets/furnishings

Pet hair often builds up on our stairs and sofas. A top tip to remove with ease and without having to get the vacuum out every time is to very simply dampen a kitchen/washing up glove (like the Marigold Extra Life kitchen gloves) with cold water and then rub all over the area.  The wet glove will gently lift fur, as the friction between the glove and the fabric creates a static energy which causes pet hair and other debris to stick.

2.           Keep a broom by your front door for post-muddy walks

Stop dirt coming in after muddy dog walks by keeping the Vileda DuActiva broom by the door. This will save you time scrubbing floors as you will be getting rid of the mud, dust and debris instantly. You can also use the broom on your hard floor and on your door mats, to stop the mud sneaking in on shoes.

3.           Choose steam power over cleaning chemicals to keep your pets safe

Using steam mops to clean hard floors, rather than harsh chemical-based products, is so much safer for your pets – and it’s also quicker! The Vileda Steam Mop, for instance, heats up in seconds and will leave you with a clean streak-free finish. However, do not steam over old pet stains on carpets as this will bond the stain and make it set into the carpet further. Instead use a mixture of cold water, white vinegar and washing up liquid to remove stains. This combination will also break down the odours and the vinegar smell will disperse quickly.

4.           Wash pet bowls daily

We often forget about it, but it’s really important to keep dog water and food bowls clean. Wash them daily just like the plates we use because if you leave them, they will get sticky and collect pet hair and potentially harbour bacteria and odours. Use the Vileda Dish Brush with the tiniest drop of washing up liquid and give them a daily scrub.

5.           Don’t leave messes for too long

For accidents, it’s so much easier to deal with them straight away. Keep specific cloths on hand to quickly wipe away the mess – such as the Marigold Let It Shine! Microfibre cloths, which have the added bonus of being machine washable, making it much better for the environment than disposable kitchen roll or paper towels. They also remove 99.9% bacteria with just water, so again there is no need for chemicals that could potentially be harmful for pets.[1] Keep them under the sink, separate from your washing up / food handling cloths, and just throw them straight in the machine when they need a wash.

A study of 2,000 adults found 43 per cent feel swamped by the choices they have to make about money.

As a result, 53 per cent have avoided making certain decisions altogether as they couldn’t face it.

But this head-in-the-sand approach left them feeling stressed (54 per cent), nervous (40 per cent), and upset 32 per cent).

The research was commissioned by comparethemarket to launch its money management tool – the Good Things Hub.

Financial guru Emmanuel Asuquo said: “It can be easy to find yourself burying your head in the sand when it comes to money, particularly if you’re feeling worried about it.

“But hiding from problems doesn’t make them go away and, in most cases, it can make them much worse.

“Although it’s easy to feel anxious about your finances, it’s important to try and stay on top of money management and find some support.

“Helpful tools such as the Good Things Hub on comparethemarket.com are a great place to start.”

The study also revealed differences in demographics, with 85 per cent of 18-year-olds feeling overwhelmed by financial decisions.

But this drops over the decades, with 72 per cent of those in their 20s feeling the same, compared to 59 per cent of those in their 30s and 42 per cent in their forties.

Only 31 per cent of 50–59-year-olds feel overwhelmed by their finances, along with just one in four over 60s.

The study found monthly outgoings peak in your 30s at an average of £1,173, with 46 per cent of that going on eating out, while putting money aside for their children’s future (33 per cent) and investing money (30 per cent) also take their chunk.

When adults get to their sixties the average outgoings are almost halved at £685, with 54 per cent admitting they don’t feel very stressed by the financial decisions on their plate.

For the over fifties, money is spent on matters relating to leisure and the future, including putting savings aside (67 per cent), deciding how much to keep as disposable income (55 percent) and saving for a holiday (52 per cent).

However, it’s in their forties when adults have the most outgoings – an average of ten a month, according to the study carried out via OnePoll.

Ursula Gibbs at comparethemarket.com said: “As we get older, there are more decisions to make about managing money and this tends to peak in our 40s.

“Therefore, as our lives get more complicated, typically with the introduction of children and mortgages, so can our finances, which many admit to finding overwhelming.

“For today’s young adults, entering the world of money management could feel overwhelming.

“Comparethemarket.com is now offering the nation more ways to manage their money than ever before helping to support everyone with their financial decision making.”

EMMANUEL ASUQUO’S TOP TIPS FOR GOOD MONEY MANAGEMENT:

1.         Don’t put your head in the sand – Money management can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you’re new to it or are facing a change in circumstance. However, the worst thing you can do is put your head in the sand if you’re feeling stressed. Instead take action and get on top of your finances by using tools such as those on comparethemarket.com which automate renewals and help you find great deals.

2.         Mindset – before you start your money management journey, you have to work your money mindset. The first step is identifying your “why”. Your Why is something so crucial that you will not give up, even when things get hard. For example, to support my family or retire at age 50.

3.         Needs vs Wants – The next step is to look at your outgoings and identify the things you are spending money on and if they are needs (life essentials such as groceries, rent/mortgage, water, utilities etc.) or wants (life’s luxuries such as eating out, holidays, tv subscriptions). A good way to do this is to list all your outgoings and then put them either in the need column or the want column. When you total the need column, you will

know “how much it costs to be you”. Then you decide what outgoings from the want column you’re going to keep.

4.         Accounts Method – People make a big mistake in having all their money go in and out of one account. A good way to manage your money is to split it into three accounts. The first account is for your fixed cost. These would typically be your direct debits (bill payments). The second account would be your spending account, and you would pay for travel, lunch at work, going out etc. Your last account is a savings account. You will build this account up with your leftover money after contributing to your fixed cost and spending account.

5.         Emergency Fund – Now that you have your money in order, the next thing to do is build up an emergency fund which should typically be a minimum of three months of your monthly outgoings.

A poll of 1,000 women aged 30 and above found one in five women remember their mother being ‘distraught’ at finding a grey.

But women today are half as likely to feel the same way themselves when discovering the first grey hairs peeping out.

In fact, nearly a fifth (17 per cent) feel ‘totally relaxed’ about their silver additions, and 57 per cent feel grey is ‘back in fashion’.

For 43 per cent of women age does not define who they are, and 41 per cent feel there is less pressure to look a certain way as you grow older.

And one in five even believe going grey is an ‘exciting new chapter’ in their life.

Another 23 per cent confess to loving their silver locks, but aren’t sure how to make them look their best.

However, more than a tenth have had someone make a ‘nasty’ comment about their grey hair.

The research was commissioned by hair colour experts Wella Professionals, which worked with chartered psychologist, Professor Carolyn Mair.

Prof. Carolyn Mair said: “Until recently, the beauty industry has marketed the myth of eternal youth by naming their products anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle, age-defying, regenerating, correcting, and so on. This promotes a fear of ageing as something we can and should fight.

“Having naturally grey hair is an outward display of self-acceptance which is empowering and boosts self-confidence.

“It seems like women are more likely to embrace the natural grey in today’s society than the previous generation as it’s becoming far more achievable as there are some excellent products that help ease the process.”

The study also found one in three women who started off colouring their new hair found out quickly that doing so was expensive, and time consuming.

Another 30 per cent worried they might be damaging their natural hair by colouring it with a cocktail of chemicals.

As many as seven in 10 (71 per cent) were unaware that grey hair needs different care to be looked after properly.

An expert from Wella Professional said: “It’s very important grey hair is cared for in a different way. This is because it’s structure changes from loosing pigment. This can lead to coarseness and yellow tones.”

But just 23 per cent have made changes to their hair care routine after embracing their new grey look, according to the OnePoll research.

A quarter feel their grey hair is too coarse, while 19 per cent find it a lot dryer than it used to be – and 14 per cent struggle with many different shades of silver found throughout their locks.

Wella’s spokesperson added: “You don’t just ‘go grey’ overnight – it’s a process that can take years, and each stage requires different care.

“It’s interesting to see how few people realise that different care for grey hair can have really different results.

“Whatever was the reason driving people to stop coloring their hair – be it financial or time resource or fear of damage and chemicals, we have launched True Grey [https://www.wella.com/professional/en-UK/hair-color/true-grey] to allow people to care for their hair and embrace their natural greys free of damage.”

By SWNS Staff

NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC

As many Americans begin planning for their first (almost) post-COVID holiday, seven in 10 believe it will be one for the books. 

A new survey of 2,000 Americans (21+) sought to find how important Americans’ “firsts” are and how they’re making new memories ahead of their first (almost) post-COVID holiday. 

Sixty-seven percent of respondents said this holiday season will be special to them and their families due to the limitation of the pandemic.

Three in five respondents said their families are looking forward to connecting this holiday season because they haven’t spent much time together since the Coronavirus outbreak first started.

Furthermore, 60% of those polled are taking this holiday season as an opportunity to try new things with their families to make up for lost time.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Firstleaf Wine Club, the survey found 82% of respondents agreed there’s nothing more memorable than experiencing something for the first time.

When it comes to the holidays specifically, hosting a holiday for the first time on their own was the most memorable first (39%), followed by decorating their own home for the most wonderful time of the year (38%).

Other memories topping the holiday list included the first holiday spent with a significant other (37%), their first time celebrating the holidays solo (33%) and their first holiday with a child (32%).

After reflecting on all these fond memories, it’s no surprise that 71% of respondents wish they could experience these “firsts” all over again.

“As we quickly approach the two-year mark of the pandemic, we realize how important it is to enjoy the little things in life,” said Philip James, Founder and CEO of Firstleaf. “Firsts present new experiences and open the door to moments of exploration and discovery. The survey shows that Americans are eager to come together again, and we look forward to helping them celebrate life’s everyday firsts”.

To bring back these moments of joy, 66% of respondents said they’re interested in trying a new experience this holiday season and 63% specifically want to expand their flavor palette this holiday season and try new foods.

In fact, trying a new cuisine (38%) was one of the top things respondents want to do in the next year, followed by becoming more wine savvy (28%).

“The holidays are the perfect time to start a new tradition, try something new, or step outside your comfort zone,” added James. “With 73% of respondents sharing that they believe you should always bring a bottle of wine to gift your holiday host, this is the perfect opportunity to discover new favorites with Firstleaf, where there’s always a new first waiting to be uncorked!”

MOST MEMORABLE FIRSTS

1. First job (49%)
2. First love (48%)
3. First kiss (45%)
4. First pet (41%)
5. First car (38%)
6. First concert (35%)
7. First best friend (34%)
8. First apartment/home on your own (32%)
9. First trip abroad/internationally (29%)
10. First night out after your 21st birthday (26%)
11. First cell phone (25%)
12. First paycheck (24%)
13. First computer (23%)
14. First day of college (23%)
15. First day of high school (22%)
16. First time riding a bike (22%)
17. First time voting (21%)

MOST MEMORABLE HOLIDAY FIRSTS

1. First time hosting a holiday yourself (39%)
2. First time decorating your own home for the holidays (38%)
3. First holiday with a significant other (37%)
4. First time buying a Christmas tree (36%)
5. First holiday spent by yourself (33%)
6. First holiday with a child (32%)
7. First time drinking wine at a family gathering/holiday (32%)
8. First holiday as an adult (29%)
9. First time drinking egg nog at a family gathering/holiday (28%)
10. First holiday in a new home (27%)
11. First holiday with the in-laws (21%)
12. First holiday with a pet (20%)
13. First time sitting at the “grown-ups” table at a holiday (18%)

By Marie Haaland // SWNS

NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC

If you’re still awake when the clock hits 2:48 a.m., then there’s no point in trying to get a good night’s sleep.

A new survey of 2,000 Americans delved into respondents’ struggles with falling asleep. It found that just before 3 a.m. is the cut-off point — past that, and respondents agreed they wouldn’t be getting any sleep.

Results also looked into Americans’ nighttime habits and revealed it’s not uncommon for respondents to have a poor night’s rest.

Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Intellibed for National Sleep Comfort Month in November, results also revealed the average respondent struggles to fall asleep about three nights per week.

It takes around 26 minutes for them to knock out after their head hits the pillow, and the average respondent only gets six hours and 23 minutes of rest during a typical night.

When asked what keeps them from falling asleep, “worries about personal stuff” topped the list (45%), followed by being too hot (35%) or dealing with insomnia (32%).

Not feeling tired (32%) and worrying about work (30%) rounded out the top five factors that prevent Americans from getting their recommended hours of beauty sleep.

Compromise might be another factor: of those who prefer sharing a bed with a partner (56%), 23% said they don’t like the same kind of mattress. For those unlucky respondents, 31% compromised and sleep on the kind of bed their partner prefers.

And poor-quality sleep can have a major effect — the average respondents said a night of bad sleep negatively impacts them at work or in their personal life two days per week.

On the other hand, the survey also delved into the different ways people sleep, looking at what might contribute to them receiving high-quality rest.

Interestingly enough, respondents who sleep naked (vs. sleeping in pajamas) were more likely to report high-quality sleep (53% vs. 27%).

And those who prefer a warm room reported better sleep than those who like sleeping in a cold room (46% vs. 23%).

“There are endless factors that can keep people up at night, and we’re bombarded with products from weighted blankets to sound machines with empty promises of solving sleep issues. It’s true, sleep can be treated but only with the right mattress,” said Colin House, CEO of Intellibed. “We pride ourselves for leading the transformation on how people think about and invest in their sleep. Our technology breathes and sleeps naturally cool, which helps regulate temperature changes that can keep you up at night and is a scientifically proven design that delivers a sleep surface that is both firm and soft at the same time.”

The survey also split respondents by those who prefer to sleep in a warm room and those who would rather sleep in a cold room, looking at the personality traits between the two groups.

Those who prefer a warm room were slightly more likely to consider themselves introverted (34% vs. 26%) and were more likely to identify as adventurous and shy.

Warm room respondents were also more likely to enjoy hobbies like writing and dancing.

On the other hand, those who prefer a cold room enjoy hobbies like gardening and watching TV and movies — and were more likely to identify as funny and curious.

When it comes to their sleeping habits, respondents who prefer a warm room are more likely to take naps, admitting they’ll settle in for a snooze three times a week, compared to cold-room respondents, who only nap an average of twice per week.

But when they do nap, there’s not much difference in time — regardless of their temperature preference, the average respondent likes to nap for about 50 minutes at a time.

“We all deserve and need quality sleep without compromise, especially when it comes to shopping for a mattress with your significant other,” said House. “No matter temperature preferences, hobbies or sleep schedules, our Gel Matrix technology provides an optimal sleep surface that is both firm and soft at the same time, naturally cools and provides targeted pressure relief, eliminating the need for compromise.”

WHAT’S KEEPING AMERICANS UP AT NIGHT?

• Worrying about personal stuff- (45%)
• Being too hot- (35%)
• Insomnia- (32%)
• Don’t feel tired- (32%)
• Worrying about work- (30%)

Typically containing a single shot of coffee, steamed milk, and a frothy top, researchers polled 2,000 coffee drinkers and found 38 per cent like this variety the most.

At the other end of the scale, 14 per cent consider an espresso to be their favourite type of coffee, while a quarter are more ‘middle of the road’ and opt for a ‘straightforward’ flat white.

But regardless of what form it takes, 65 per cent are particular about how their beloved coffee is made – including the strength, the types of beans used, amount of milk and more.

And 35 per cent are so passionate about the brewed beverage they’ll actively refuse to drink a coffee if it’s not made to their standards.

Ritchie McFee, from Philips Domestic Appliances, which commissioned the research to launch its new LatteGo barista style coffee machine range, said: “As we go into winter, it’s not surprising we may be looking for that extra warm drink to get us through the next few months.

“And we all have our own special way of making our coffee just to our tastes.

“What the new Philips research shows is that we are a nation of coffee lovers.

“And while tastes may vary, there is clearly common ground – pardon the pun – when it comes to a genuine passion for coffee.”

The study found more of those living in the South East like their coffee ‘strong’ (46 per cent) than anywhere else in the UK.

While those residing in Northern Ireland are most likely to like their coffee ‘sweet’ (43 per cent).

And almost half of those residing in London (46 per cent) like their coffee ‘milky’ – the highest proportion of any region.

It also emerged that the typical adult drinks 876 cups of coffee a year – just over two a day.

Seven in 10 consider drinking it to be part of their daily routine, with 48 per cent claiming they ‘can’t function’ without a morning coffee.

Half (52 per cent) tend to enjoy coffee alone, one in five (19 per cent) often have it with office colleagues, while 13 per cent tend to have one when spending time with their cat or dog.

More than eight in 10 (83 per cent) like their coffee with milk, and three quarters like dairy.

But 24 per cent prefer dairy alternatives, with oat milk the most popular (five per cent).

More than half (52 per cent) like what they describe as a ‘glug’ of milk, and 28 per cent prefer a smaller amount – just a ‘dash’.

The research also found that despite their love of coffee, 34 per cent have been so befuddled by the exotic sounding names they’ve ordered without knowing what type of coffee they’ll actually be getting.

While 19 per cent admitted they only drink coffee because it makes them feel ‘more grown-up.’

Carried out through OnePoll, the study found 45 per cent consider themselves to be coffee aficionados.

MOST POPULAR TYPES OF COFFEE

1.            Latte

2.            Cappuccino

3.            Flat white

4.            Americano (white)

5.            Americano (black)

6.            Mocha

7.            Espresso

8.            Iced coffee

9.            Irish

10.          Macchiato

Sleepy Brits hit the alarm snooze button for at least 15 minutes each morning and function on ‘autopilot’ until they feel fully awake – half an hour after starting work

A study of 2,000 adults found the average alarm is set for 6.54am, before they actually get out of bed at 7.12am.

But it’s another 29 minutes before people feel awake and ready to start the day – although men need an extra five minutes longer than women to get going (31 minutes compared to 26 minutes).

It also emerged one in five often arrive at work still feeling sleepy, with 17 per cent admitting they aren’t completely awake during the commute and a third are functioning on autopilot.

As a result, those workers spend the first 35 minutes of their morning at work trying to fully wake up so they can face the day ahead.

But a quarter of adults polled by supplement firm Healthspan claim to have whole days where it feels like they never really feel completely awake and alert.

Dr Kat Lederle, a sleep therapist and body clock expert, who is working with Healthspan, said: “While some early birds are able to jump straight out of bed, awake and refreshed and ready for whatever they face that day, others need to take their time to fully wake up.

“Whether that’s because they’ve had a bad night’s sleep or due to being a night owl, some can feel like they are wondering around in a bit of a daze for a while before they feel ready to start the day if they have woken up with an alarm clock.

“Many will find they have a natural sleep pattern and you get the best sleep if you follow this pattern. This is turn will make waking up in the morning easier.”

But the study found that not feeling properly awake has seen 36 per cent make a mistake at work, while 30 per cent have snapped at someone.

Others admitted it led them to eat unhealthy food (30 per cent), arrive late to work (18 per cent) or even have a road accident (five per cent).

It also emerged three in 10 believe they are finding it harder to wake up in the mornings as they get older, while 55 per cent struggle more in the winter than at any other time of the year.

And nearly two fifths of those in the study claimed their mood is lower in the winter, with experts believing some people are more predisposed to SAD.

Dr Meg Arroll, psychologist at Healthspan said: “For some people, the darker winter months trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

“One potential reason for this is that the lack of daylight affects the production of hormones which regulate our natural sleep-wake cycle.

“Levels of melatonin and serotonin, which are also important for mood regulation, can become imbalanced and this can have a negative effect on how we feel, leading to depressed mood, lack of energy and a general desire to hibernate.

“Even though there may not be a firm consensus over the precise cause of mood changes that occur in the winter, we do know that vitamin D deficiency is associated with low mood.

“So, it may be helpful to invest in a good quality 10mcg vitamin D product this winter, as per government guidelines .“

The study also found that nearly two thirds of those polled believe their body has a natural inclination to sleep at a certain time.

Although 25 per cent think their sleeping pattern has changed in the last six months as life has started to return to normal post-lockdowns.

In a bid to feel more awake in the mornings, 36 per cent turn to a strong coffee and 24 per cent rely on a hot shower.

Stretching (22 per cent), a walk or exercise (16 per cent) and playing loud music (12 per cent) are also common tactics.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 36 per cent of adult consider themselves to be a night owl, while 33 per cent think they are early birds.

TOP 10 THINGS BRITS DO TO FEEL MORE AWAKE IN THE MORNING:

1.            A strong coffee

2.            A hot shower

3.            Forcing yourself out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off

4.            Stretching

5.            Opening the windows

6.            A morning walk

7.            Making the bed

8.            Doing some exercise

9.            A glass of juice

10.          Putting music on loud