Gadgets altering lives of Britons

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25 to 34 year olds are the most likely to fall into this category. 56 percent of that age group describe themselves as usually very tired or shattered when they go to bed.

It may explain why that age group, more than any other (38 percent as opposed to the average 32 percent) is most likely to own a bed less than five years old.

"If people aren't taking any notice of advice to keep the bedroom as a sanctuary of quiet and rest, then they at least understand that a decent, regularly replaced bed equals a decent night's sleep," Alexander said.

The bed itself is now more likely to be a bedstead (40 percent) than a divan (39 percent) with mattresses featuring such luxuries and modern innovations like pocket springs (30 percent), memory foam (11 percent), no-turn (10 percent) and anti-allergy options (6 percent).

Advice on what 'not-to-drink' at bedtime often goes unheeded too. While water tap, bottled or sparkling is the single most popular drink among a third of those questioned, many others admitted to taking coffee (9 percent), alcohol (9 percent) or sugary drinks to bed. Traditional hot chocolate and milky drinks remain popular but another sign of the times is the emergence of smoothies and fresh juices as nightcaps.

"Our survey results provide show more than half of Britons(52 percent) regularly feel so tired at work that they would like to go home, with one in eight people feeling that way three or four times a week," Alexander added.

Furthermore, the demographics found significant regional differences.

People in East England are the most likely (32 percent opposed to average 26 percent) to make phone calls or send and receive texts messages, whereas people in the South East (27 percent to the average 22 percent) use the alarm facility on their Blackberry or mobile.

Yorkshire's people use their Blackberry or laptop to send and receive emails more than those in other areas (14 percent to average 8 percent).

North Easterners and Londoners (both 15 percent to the average 13 percent) say that on three or four occasions each week they get so tired at work they would like to go home.

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