Why women prefer a book to sex for a good night's sleep

Women prefer a book over a bonk when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, according to new research.

Only 4% of women reckon sex helps them drift off – while three times as many men say it guarantees them quality shut-eye.

But reading a good book was favoured by more women than men, in the survey of 1,010 adults by mattress makers Drift Sleep.

Both sexes agreed on the top three ingredients for a satisfying sleep – mattress, pillows and clean sheets.

And with millions of people planning to stay with family or friends, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds, there could be some festive unrest.

A third of respondents said they felt grumpy in the morning from lack of sleep.

An uncomfortable mattress, snoring, and having consumed too much food or drink emerged as the things most likely to keep us awake.

'With a third of the UK staying away from home this Christmas it’s important that people do all they can to get a good night’s rest'

Adam Black, co-founder of Drift Sleep, manufacturers of pocket-sprung and foam hybrid mattresses, said: “With a third of the UK staying away from home this Christmas it’s important that people do all they can to get a good night’s rest.

“Despite the differences it looks like what both men and women need is a comfortable bed and clean sheets – hopefully that’s not too much to ask of the relatives.”

Men (17%) are more likely than women to be kept awake by money worries (9%).

Thirteen per cent of women say a good book helps them reach dreamland compared to just 9% of men.