Eight in 10 Brits stick rigidly to a set morning routine, a poll has found. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed 83% follow a daily regime — although what that looks like differs from person to person.
Shower Preferences and Alarm Habits
More than four in 10 (42%) prefer to shower in the morning, while 23% opt for a night-time rinse. The rest either have no preference or do both. It also found 34% get up as soon as their first alarm goes off, while 26% hit snooze once or twice before rising.
Morning Fuel and Phone Checking
When it comes to morning 'fuel', coffee wins (36%), just ahead of tea (32%). Almost half (47%) check their phone within five minutes of waking up, while only 3% manage to avoid looking at their device altogether.
One debate which remains unresolved however is whether to clean your teeth before or after breakfast. Almost half (45%) do so before and the same number (45%) do so after, while 10% have no particular stance.
The Great Wake-Up Debate
Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts commissioned the study and partnered with comedian Rob Beckett, who launched The Great Wake-up Debate – encouraging people to voice their opinion on the proper way to begin the day.
Rob Beckett said: "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. What surprised me most is how seriously people take it - tea or coffee can divide a room faster than you can make either."
Night-Time Habits Impact Mornings
The poll also suggested night-time habits have a big impact the next morning, with almost two thirds (65%) saying how they sleep affects how they feel when they wake up. And 49% said they struggle to sleep unless they’re on their preferred side of the bed.
Peace and quiet, a cool room and a duvet topped the list of bedtime essentials. Nearly half (45%) sleep with just one pillow, while 43% prefer a three-pillow set-up.
Rob 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. Even better when there’s free breakfast waiting, like at Holiday Inn Express — you'll find me parked by the bacon and eggs!”
Almost a third (32%) of those polled via OnePoll.com said breakfast is the best part of a hotel stay. Meanwhile, 20% said they’d book a hotel room without a second thought if they knew a comfy bed was waiting.
Hotel Chain's Focus on Morning Essentials
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.”
