Suffolk full-time workers are suffering from severe sleep deprivation, a study has unveiled.

Mental health charity, Suffolk Mind, discovered that 83.1% of those surveyed were not getting a sufficient amount of rest.

This lack of sleep is distressing as it is one of 12 essential physical and emotional needs required for mental and physical health, the charity said.

Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs Audit, a continuous investigation into mental wellbeing in the region, conducted this research.

A call for change in Suffolk's workplaces A call for change in Suffolk's workplaces (Image: Paul W Cook)

Only 16.9% of the 7,317 full-time employees affirmed they were getting the recommended sleep amount.

Several barriers were cited as reasons for sleep deprivation.

Many stated that their work situation (42.18%) or workload (28.19%) impeded their rest.

However, concerning 54.1% of respondents, physical and mental health issues proved the biggest obstacle to good sleep quality.

Ezra Hewing, head of mental health education at Suffolk Mind, emphasised the importance of adequate sleep.

He said: “All of us know the feeling of coming into work after a bad night’s sleep.

"Sleep is incredibly important to both our physical and mental health."

He strongly promotes creating a healthier work environment to help alleviate these issues.

Suffolk Mind is actively facilitating change by offering workplace training through The Mental Health Toolkit.

Its Supporting Mental Health course is designed to create a better understanding of mental health among team members and encourages them to manage their mental health effectively.

Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind (Image: Paul W Cook)

Change, according to Mr Hewing, needs to begin with management structures.

He added: “It is important change begins at the top to help build a more supportive management structure that’s in touch with the needs of its workforce.

"While workplace training isn’t going to help improve sleep overnight, it is a great first step in relieving the stresses staff may feel while helping them better understand their mental health.”

For more information on how to book a course, visit thementalhealthtoolkit.co.uk.