Eight in 10 Britons adhere to a strict morning routine, yet one everyday question continues to divide the nation: should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? A poll of 2,000 adults commissioned by Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts found that 83% follow a regular morning regime, but opinions on toothbrushing timing are evenly split.
The Great Toothbrushing Debate
The survey revealed that 45% of respondents brush their teeth before breakfast, while the same percentage (45%) do so after. The remaining 10% have no set preference. This unresolved issue is part of what comedian Rob Beckett, who partnered with Holiday Inn Express, calls "The Great Wake-up Debate."
Beckett commented: "People will argue about absolutely anything, but morning routines are right up there with the best of them. You've got the annoyingly cheerful lot who are up, showered and chatting away before 7am - and then the rest of us, who need a bit of peace before we're feeling properly human."
Showering Preferences and Alarm Habits
When it comes to showering, 42% prefer a morning rinse, while 23% opt for night-time showers. The rest either have no preference or shower both times. Alarm habits also vary: 34% get up with their first alarm, but 26% hit snooze once or twice before rising.
Morning Beverage and Phone Use
Coffee is the top morning beverage choice at 36%, narrowly beating tea at 32%. Nearly half of Brits (47%) check their phone within five minutes of waking, while only 3% avoid looking at their device altogether.
Bedtime Habits and Hotel Preferences
The poll also highlighted the importance of bedtime routines. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said sleep quality affects their next morning, and 49% struggle to sleep unless on their preferred side of the bed. Essentials include peace and quiet, a cool room, and a duvet. Pillow preferences vary: 45% use one pillow, while 43% prefer three.
Rob Beckett added: "For me, it all comes down to a good night's sleep and a good brekkie to start the day. I'm a two-soft-pillows kind of guy and, while I'm usually up with the first alarm at home, I'm firmly 'team lie-in' when I'm away."
Almost a third (32%) of those polled via OnePoll.com said breakfast is the best part of a hotel stay, and 20% would book a hotel room immediately if they knew a comfortable bed awaited.
John Wright, VP Mainstream Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "The Great Wake Up Debate proves that everyone has their own morning habits and rituals. But what unites us is wanting to start the day feeling our best. That's why we focus on the essentials that matter most to our guests – comfortable beds with a choice of pillows, blackout curtains, bedside charging and our free hot breakfast. It's all about making mornings feel a little easier and helping guests wake up refreshed, recharged and ready for whatever the day brings."
