40 winks can be a rare luxury

Feeling a bit sleepy during the day could prove to be more serious than you might first imagine. 20% of the population now has a serious sleep problem - and its costing the country dear.

This week, BBC Two’s Southern Eye takes a close look at our sleep deprived society.

Sleep expert Neil Stanley

Neil Stanley runs Europe’s biggest sleep laboratory in Guildford.

He says that we ignore the problem at our peril: "In about last 100 years we have lost 25% of our sleep... that is quite a profound thing - especially when it's something so good, beneficial and vital to us."

Sleep deprivation can be a life and death matter - the programme also meets Martin Fiddler, a lorry driver from Padworth near Reading who lost his job as a lorry driver and almost lost his life.

The consequences of sleep deprivation

Unbeknownst to him, Martin suffers from a common but usually undiagnosed condition called obstructive sleep apnoea.

He stops breathing hundreds of times during the night - each time waking up from deep sleep, without being aware of it.

The consequence was him falling alseep at his wheel - "I pulled up to a roundabout in Woodley - the next thing I remember is sitting in front of a house, thinking "what happened?".

Learning to deal with sleep deprivation was the difference between success and failure for Solent based yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur

Ellen MacArthur

Ellen survived on 'catnaps' during her record breaking round-the-world journey.

She says that her mood and performance at every moment was dictated by her sleep. "Because you are racing…every time you sleep then the boat is losing out. Trying to keep yourself on form when it's cold at night and you can't sleep is very difficult."

For further advice on sleeplessness and sleep related conditions - call the BBC Helpline on 08000 68 70 60

Ellen MacArthur pictures courtecy of APP sports news.