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.
The ‘headphone dodger’ proposal that could see people who play loud music on public transport fined
Danny Jones
A group of politicians are calling for people who play music and videos out loud on public transport to be fined, and not just a small fee, either. How about a grand?…
Yes, a new idea floated by members of the Liberal Democrats would see so-called ‘headphone dodgers’ hit with a penalty of a whopping penalty of up to £1,000.
Obviously, the idea would need government backing in order to make it through as an official bill, but it seems several Labour and Conservative MPs agree, and the suggestion alone already has caused plenty of online discussion.
Should 'headphone dodgers' who play loud music and videos on public transport face a fine of £1,000?
Sparking quite the water-cooler conversation too, the proposal is something that clearly taps into a fairly common nuisance among the general public and one that has increased in the era of smartphones, tablets and so on.
While it’s definitely something people can relate to, and the highly reactionary idea of charging them such a large sum of money, many on social media have noted that while the concept is one they can get behind, the figure seems excessive to most.
The no-headphone fine would apply to those playing music and video out loud on buses, trains and trams at what would generally be considered an obnoxious volume; if given the green light, this rule would be included in the railway byelaws and the current ‘Bus Services Bill‘ amended.
It has been suggested that a potential national campaign deterring this kind of behaviour would follow, with the party arguing plainly that commuters deserve to “enjoy a moment of peace.”
A similar policy has emerged regarding drivers as well.
This push from the Lib Dems comes after they commissioned a poll which found that “more than half of Brits said they would not feel empowered to ask somebody to turn down their music” while on board public transport, with over a third confessing they’ve come across the issue before.
Lisa Smart, the party’s home affairs spokesman, said: “Far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of antisocial behaviour — and headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders.”
She went on to add, “It’s time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace.” It is believed that both politicians in power and members of the opposition have already expressed support for the idea, even if specifics like the severity of the fine are up for debate.
Greater Manchester cleans up at first-ever Festival of Women’s Football Awards
Danny Jones
This week marked the inaugural Festival of Women’s Football Awards (FWFA), which not only saw a whole host of female talent from up and down the English pyramid celebrated, but Greater Manchester in particular picked up a number of accolades.
Of course, we all know that 0161 is the true home of football, with Manchester’s rich sporting heritage known worldwide, but it’s always nice to see our region recognised for its continued contribution to the beautiful game.
That reputation goes double for the women’s game too, as the 2025 FWFA saw a trio of local clubs and a trio of different players winning across multiple categories.
Starting with the blue side of Manchester, Manchester City Women star Yui Hasegawa picked up Player of the Year from a strong shortlist of midfielders.
Joining the club back in the summer of 2022, Hasegawa famously scored on her debut and was named in the PFA Team of the Year that season.
Playing in 92 of the 96 games since her arrival, she is widely considered not just one of the best midfielders in the Women’s Super League (WSL) but the world.
As for the red half of the city, not only did Phallon Tullis-Joyce – who has shone since filling the very big boots of Mary Earps – pick up the award for the best shotstopper, but centre-back Maya Le Tissier was named both Defender and Young Player of the Year.
Latics Women only launched their squad this season but have already amassed a passionate following, hence the award, and also won the Lancashire Women’s County League Championship at the first time of asking.
Congratulations to all the Greater Mancunian footballing organisations and sports personalities recognised at this year’s Festival of Women’s Football Awards – here’s hoping for even more in 2026!
🏆 We were delighted to attend this evening’s Festival of Women’s Football Awards in London…
It was an honour to be shortlisted for eight national awards, and take home the ‘Best Fan Experience’ prize! 💙#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OoeN92Vxwv