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New research reveals a not-so-sleepy Suffolk

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

New research from Suffolk Mind suggests that the percentage of Suffolk residents getting enough sleep has plummeted from 36.7% to 19.7% in just one year.

Why it matters: Sleep is one of the 12 essential physical and emotional needs identified by mental health experts, with the average adult requiring about eight hours nightly to allow their bodies to repair and reduce cortisol levels.

The big picture: Failure to get enough sleep can lead to increased stress, anxiety and low mood, which if untreated could develop into depression.

Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind
Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk MindPaul Cook

By the numbers:

  • Just 19.7% of Suffolk residents reported getting a healthy amount of sleep in 2024

  • This represents a significant drop from 36.7% in 2023

  • 2,487 people responded to Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs Survey

  • 442 respondents detailed their biggest barriers to sleep

What they're saying: "All of our needs are important – but sleep is especially important to both our physical and mental health," said Ezra Hewing, Head of Mental Health Education at Suffolk Mind.

"We need deep sleep to repair our body's cells, while our brains need REM sleep, when we dream, to switch off emotions we have been unable to act upon."

The details: Almost 65% of respondents cited physical or mental health as their main barrier to sleep, with others including:

  • Relationship concerns (28.7%)

  • Work situation (24%)

  • Financial worries (23%)

For context: The data was collected via Suffolk Mind's Emotional Needs Survey, an ongoing online portal where people can check-in and report on their mental health.

What's next: Hewing recommends establishing a distraction-free bedtime routine to help get a healthy sleep pattern back on track.

"That includes establishing a distraction-free sleeping environment, taking away the temptation to doomscroll on your phone or even just to watch TV," he said.

The bottom line: "With everything from the cost-of-living crisis to worrying about politics in the news, it is understandable that more people might find it harder to get a good night's sleep," Hewing added. "Overall however, it's so important to ensure you focus on meeting other physical and emotional needs in healthy ways, which will give you the best possible chance of getting more than just your forty winks."

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Six months of road closures ahead as Woodbridge Road gas works begin next week

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Residents, businesses and motorists on Woodbridge Road face traffic lights and side-road closures from next Monday, 22 April, as Cadent begins replacing 1.8 miles of gas pipes.

Why it matters: The works will affect the key route until October, with the latest closures moving in phases along the 1.1 mile stretch of road.

Gas distributor Cadent said it is replacing "ageing metallic gas pipes" dating from 1907 with "tough new plastic ones".

Roadworks on Woodbridge Road in Ipswich
Woodbridge Road has been subject to several roadworks and closures in recent timesOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What they're saying: Project manager Gary Tidman said: "We know it's far from ideal to have any sort of road closures or traffic management in place in what is a busy area, but we have worked hard with the local authorities to create a plan that keeps traffic flowing and maintains access for local businesses and residents."

"We are also making use of the school half-term and summer holidays to keep disruption to a minimum, but we will continue to work with the Highways Agency to ensure that they are happy with the progression we are making and the plans that are in place."

The bottom line: The work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption, with completion expected in October.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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