Soak&Sleep


Silent night or silent dread? 6 out of 10 Brits fear festive sleepovers

Christmas Sleep Crisis: 61% Rest Worse at Relatives - and Pillows Are to Blame

New research from Soak&Sleep reveals that Christmas sleepovers may be far less restful than hosts realise, with 61% of people sleeping much worse when staying at relatives’ homes during the festive season. The biggest culprit? Pillows, according to 47% of respondents, with flat pillows topping the list of complaints at 30%. The impact is significant - 10% report losing up to four hours of sleep when away from home.


It’s no surprise, then, that half of guests bring their own pillows to try and secure a decent night’s rest. And hosts take note: 58% say they’d be more likely to stay over if the pillow quality was better, while 64% admit they’d rather return to their own homes after Christmas than face another night on uncomfortable bedding.
Soft as Down Microfibre Pillows & Duvets


“Good-quality pillows are one of the easiest ways to ensure guests get a decent night’s sleep,” says Ruth Welton, Bedding expert at Soak&Sleep.


“Most people don’t realise pillows should be replaced every 1–2 years, many guest rooms have pillows that are far older.”

Every Christmas, millions of people travel to stay with parents, in-laws, siblings, or distant relatives and many of them secretly hate the lumpy pillows, ancient mattresses, freezing spare rooms, and airbeds.


Our survey of over 130 UK adults found that 61% sleep worse at relatives’ homes than in their own bed, with the biggest culprit being, perhaps unsurprisingly, the pillows.


Nearly half said the pillows are “flat, lumpy or strangely shaped,” and now bring their own pillow when travelling for Christmas.


Other top complaints include:

  • Cold spare rooms 
  • Old mattresses 
  • Being put on an airbed 
  • Noise 


Poor sleep has real consequences too, with 64% admitting that they would rather travel home than stay.


How to be a five-star Christmas host:


  • Offer two pillow types per guest (soft + firm)
  • Refresh pillows every 1–2 years
  • Add a warm throw or heated blanket in the guest room
  • Provide a small “sleep kit” (earplugs, eye mask, water)

For full data or commentary, please contact ruth@soakandsleep.com

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