According to the latest findings in sleep studies, at least one-third of adults suffer from ‘Sunday Scaries’, with research suggesting it is the hardest night of the week to sleep.
For anyone who hasn’t come across the term ‘Sunday Scaries’ before, it basically refers to the feeling of dread, anxiety and general stress one feels at the end of the week, typically because they know they have work the next morning. Believe us, we’ve all been there.
Now, as per a study by the Sleep Foundation, it is estimated that around one-third of adults suffer from this common psychological and stress-related phenomenon, with approximately 79.5% of adults stating they have had trouble falling asleep on Sundays compared to other days of the week.
Moreover, in a separate research project carried out by the organisation back in August 2022, roughly 31% of US adults said that they thought Sunday was the hardest night to try and sleep, with Monday the second most common answer with nearly half as many votes (16.9%).
While the data analysed is pulled from a survey of US adults, given that most countries and people have the same work-life schedule — a five-day workweek followed by a weekend that always feels too short — it isn’t much of a stretch to extrapolate these numbers to cover the UK and further afield.
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In fact, if we look at the most recent UK numbers from October 2022, research by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) suggests that us Brits might struggle even more with Sunday sleeping, as around two-thirds say they suffer from anxiety with Monday looming.
While the numbers backed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) suggest those 58 and older are the worst affected, UK stats suggest 74% of those aged 18-24 experience “heightened anticipatory anxiety” as the weekend comes to a close.
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In summary, more than half of those surveyed across all age groups (54.4%) admitted that stress and anxiety were key aspects in keeping them up. We wouldn’t go so far as to call in an epidemic, but it’s clearly an aspect of mental health that continues to be overlooked.
Also sometimes referred to as the ‘Sunday blues‘, the susceptible next-day worries and dreading the week to come is nothing new (we remember that feeling even from back in our school days) but the investigation into how affects us and our sleep patterns is a field that keeps getting bigger.
So, whether it’s knowing how much uni work you’ve got to do next week or your sheer struggle to sit and listen to (insert annoying colleague’s name here) in the Monday meeting, just know that you’re not alone and it’s completely natural.
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In terms of tips that have helped us, putting your phone down and getting away from screens in general as it gets later always helps your mind start shutting down and if you really can’t stop thinking about work, a to-do list can help you calm down and make you feel organised and prepared for the morning.
Remember, guys — you’ve got this. You’ve done it countless times before and whatever it is you’re dreading, it CAN wait till Monday.
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Gavin and Stacey will return with a 2024 Christmas special for its final episode
Danny Jones
After some pretty big rumblings earlier this year, it’s finally been confirmed that Gavin and Stacey will be returning for a Christmas special this year and what will be its last-ever episode.
The beloved British comedy last aired back in 2019 with their previous Christmas special and fans of the show have been crying out for more ever since.
Well, it turns out they’ll be getting just one more go around the block as co-creators James Corden and Ruth Jones revealed that they have now finished writing their third and final Xmas special which will tie a festive bow on the trio of series which started all the way back in 2007.
Sharing a picture of the script on social media, the pair wrote: “Some news… It’s official!!! We have finished writing the last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey. See you on Christmas Day, BBC One. Love Ruth and James”.
However, what was actually going on was a bit of a red herring as she carefully chose to talk down any notions of another series but didn’t categorically dismiss the potential Christmas special.
In fact, she actually went on to add: “All I can say is, if there was something to say on that front, James [Corden] and I would happily announce it, we would.”
And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Well played, Nessa.
As for details surrounding the final chapter in the Gavin and Stacey story, we have very few details at this stage but fans of the iconic show will already be wondering how they might pick up from where certain threads left off.
Production companies Baby Cow, Corden’s Fulwell 73 and Jones’ Tidy Productions are all behind the special and, given the momentous occasion, it will likely have a primetime slot on the TV guide when it finally rolls around this holiday season.
So get your remotes, baubles and bhunas at the ready because Gavin and Stacey is coming back for one last time and it’s sure to be a TV event that people all across the UK will remember for years to come.