One in five Gen Z Brits would rather have a six pack than good night’s sleep

ONE in five Gen Z adults would rather have a six pack – than a good night’s sleep, research has found.

A poll of 1,500 adults who exercise regularly discovered 22 per cent of youngsters born after 1996 admitted achieving a toned stomach is more important to them than having a decent night’s kip.

This is twice as many as the national average, with only 10 per cent of all adults feeling the same way.

Similarly, 21 per cent of Gen Z and 23 per cent of Millennials prioritise maintaining their fitness regime over shut eye for their overall wellbeing, while only eight per cent of Boomers do the same.

The study was commissioned by Silentnight, which has partnered with Myvitamins to create a sleep training plan to help fitness fanatics manage their routines to build personalised, lasting habits for better energy, recovery and improved wellbeing.

Dr Holly Milling, resident sleep specialist at the mattress brand said: “It’s encouraging to see that more young people are starting to recognise the value of routine and recovery, but we still need to shift the mindset that sleep is a luxury or something to sacrifice in pursuit of fitness.

“Sleep is a powerful performance tool and we don’t need to choose between a six pack and good night’s rest.

“High-quality, consistent sleep actually enhances performance and improves motivation and focus.

“Nurturing your sleep won’t hold back your fitness goals, it will help you achieve them more effectively.”

The research also found 48 per cent of adults admitted their overall wellbeing is significantly improved when they get a decent night’s rest.

But when it comes to exercise, only 31 per cent have adjusted their sleep schedule to align with their fitness goals, with half of Gen Z doing so, compared to just 11 per cent of Boomers.

Of those, 87 per cent have found their new routine helpful in terms of improving their performance and recovery.

Morning is the most popular time to work out, according to 29 per cent of adults who do so between 5am and 10am, while 23 per cent favour the hours of 5pm-9pm.

It also emerged Millennials (71 per cent) are most keen to exercise regularly to support their overall wellbeing – including mental, physical and emotional – compared to 58 per cent of Gen Z.

Similarly, Millennials are also more likely to take vitamins and supplements (57 per cent), with 44 per cent of Gen Z doing the same.

Of the 53 per cent of all adults who have taken vitamins, reasons for doing so included to boost their nutritional needs (61 per cent), provide energy (33 per cent) and support their sleep (17 per cent).

But Gen Z are more likely than any other group to turn to supplements to help reach their fitness goals (31 per cent).

The OnePoll.com research found millennials would struggle most (30 per cent) to go to bed and wake up around the same time everyday, as well as giving up their phones to reduce screen time an hour before sleep (41 per cent).

On the other hand, Gen Z would find it hard to introduce exercising three times a week into their routine (26 per cent).

A spokesperson for Myvitamins said: “Without the right amount of proper sleep, your day-to-day life can be severely affected, from your focus and mood to your energy levels and athletic performance.

“Supplements can help support better sleep, especially if your diet lacks specific nutrients.

“Magnesium has been shown to have a positive impact on sleep quality and can potentially help people struggling with sleep-related issues.

“One of the main reasons magnesium aids in sleep is its ability to promote relaxation and calm the nervous system, helping people have a deeper, more restful sleep.”