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Kildare members achieved an impressive average sleep performance
Reporter:
Reporter
09 Jan 2025 12:12 PM
Research published by WHOOP, the human performance company, reveals that Kildare residents are officially amongst the top five best sleepers in Ireland.
According to the WHOOP 2024 Year In Review report, Kildare members achieved an impressive average sleep performance score of 78.96%, placing the county firmly in the top five national ranking.
While the nation as a whole grapples with the title of the world’s worst sleepers—recording the lowest global average for REM sleep at just 20.5%—counties like Kildare are demonstrating that better sleep is achievable.
Fellow top five counties revealed by the report include:
Wicklow: 80.47%
Cavan: 79.32%
Sligo: 79.17%
Kildare: 78.96%
Wexford: 78.94%
While these counties are leading the pack, the report underscores the broader challenges faced by Irish WHOOP members when it comes to sleep.
On average, REM sleep—a crucial stage for cognitive function, emotional processing, and memory consolidation—remains elusive.
Despite poor Irish results, global trends show an increased awareness of the importance of sleep by younger generations. WHOOP data shows Generation Z (born between 1997-2012) leads in REM sleep globally, with an average of 21.54%.
This is closely followed by Millennials (1981 - 1996) at 21.45%. Gen X members (1965-1980) averaged 19.9%, while Boomers (1955 –1964) trailed further behind with just 18.4% on average.
These findings suggest that younger generations are carrying the torch for good sleep quality, not just in Ireland, but across the globe. In contrast, older generations, while often consistent in their sleep schedules, may face greater challenges in achieving deep, restorative rest.
To combat this challenge and enable members to get the best quality sleep possible to aid optimal performance, the best sleepers on WHOOP recommend the following:
Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving the quality of your sleep.
Create an Ideal Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Using blackout curtains, eye masks, earplugs, and maintaining a comfortable mattress and pillow can contribute to more restful sleep.
Establish a Bedtime Routine: Engaging in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, practicing deep breathing, or taking a warm bath, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, helping you fall asleep more easily.
Reduce Screen Time in the Evening: Limiting exposure to screens in the evening reduces blue light exposure, which can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with sleep. Aim to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
Monitor Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption: Drinking caffeine in the afternoon can negatively affect sleep quality, and alcohol is often reported to disrupt sleep patterns. Limiting these substances, especially in the hours before bed, can enhance your sleep.
As holistic wellness takes centre stage, Briain Curtin, VP of Global Marketing at WHOOP, highlighted the company’s growing influence in Ireland and the rise in member engagement in 2024: “As WHOOP grows in Ireland, it’s inspiring to see members deeply engaging with their health data. With more robust and personalised insights provided by WHOOP, members are recognising the importance of sleep, recovery, and rest for performance, which is a huge step forward. These trends not only reflect national progress but also empower individuals to make lasting health changes, and perform at their personal best, which is ultimately our goal.”
By addressing the specific challenges Irish members face, highlighted in this year’s report, WHOOP aims to empower Irish members to unlock their full potential not just in 2025, but for many years to come.
To learn more about WHOOP and access a comprehensive library of helpful blogs, exercises and expert interviews to help you reach your wellness goals in 2025, please visitwww.whoop.ie .
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