A new representative survey conducted by Danish household goods retailer Jysk, in partnership with the Hungarian Sleep Association, sheds light on the country’s bedtime habits and the potential factors contributing to widespread issues.
According to the research, half of the respondents believe they sleep enough, yet only 39% report waking up feeling rested. Meanwhile, half of those surveyed feel they do not get adequate sleep, and even more individuals frequently wake up fatigued.
On average, respondents identified two sleep-related problems: waking during the night and difficulty falling asleep.
The survey found that 57% of Hungarians wake up regularly throughout the night, while 44% have trouble falling asleep. Additionally, 29% reported snoring, a common condition that can disrupt sleep cycles and affect sleep quality.
Morning fatigue is also a significant concern, with 39% of respondents stating they struggle to get out of bed, while half of those surveyed experience joint pain upon waking. Alarmingly, only 12% of respondents wake up entirely free of any complaints.
The findings of the Jysk study highlight that poor sleep is not merely an inconvenience but a significant factor affecting overall well-being. Sleep quality plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, including work performance, concentration, and physical and mental health.
Sleep disorders can diminish daily productivity, lower mood, impair concentration, increase stress levels, and slow reaction times. In the long run, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to severe health complications, including cardiovascular issues, obesity, weakened immune function, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
During winter, many people feel more fatigued, often attributing their tiredness to a lack of sunlight and the seasonal blues. However, the Jysk study suggests that sleep disturbances may have more to do with poor sleeping conditions than external environmental factors.
A broad range of factors influence sleep quality, including stress, exposure to artificial light, breathing difficulties, and inadequate sleeping surfaces. One of the key contributors to poor sleep is an unsuitable mattress, which can be either too soft or too firm, leading to insufficient spinal support.
“When selecting a mattress, the most important considerations are comfort and proper support. A good mattress should promote restful sleep while ensuring healthy spinal alignment,” says György G. Németh, president of the Hungarian Sleep Association.
The survey found that the most popular mattress types among Hungarians are foam mattresses (36%) and spring mattresses (24%). However, a significant portion of the population (24%) sleeps on a sofa bed or an extendable couch, which may not provide the necessary support for long-term, healthy sleep.
Interestingly, only a small fraction of the population prefers a soft mattress. The vast majority of Hungarians, at 88%, sleep on medium-firm, firm, or very firm mattresses. However, firmness is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as body weight, sleeping position, and body structure are all influencing factors.
The thickness and firmness of a mattress play a crucial role in providing adequate support and distributing body weight evenly to relieve pressure points. Memory foam mattresses are particularly beneficial as they adapt to body shape and retain heat, contributing to a more comfortable sleeping environment. Some mattresses are even designed to help regulate sleeping temperature, which can be essential for falling asleep quickly and staying asleep through the night.
For those who have found their perfect mattress, protecting it is equally important. A mattress protector can help extend the lifespan of a mattress by shielding it from dust, dirt, and moisture.
When it comes to replacing mattresses, Hungarian consumers are highly divided. One-third of respondents have never replaced their mattress, while another one-third only do so once every 10 years or more. Some 36% say they change their mattress in less than 10 years.
Unlike many other consumer goods, mattresses are often considered a long-term investment, with purchasing decisions driven by a combination of price-value ratio (47%), comfort (45%), firmness (34%), and size (32%). While cost is an important factor, comfort and ergonomic support are nearly as critical in the decision-making process.
Beyond selecting the right mattress, sleep accessories such as pillows, blankets, and mattress protectors play a significant role in sleep quality. These accessories directly impact body support and overall comfort, both essential for restorative sleep.
The Jysk study found that 67% of Hungarians sleep on their side, 16% on their stomach, and 10% on their back. Because different sleeping positions require different types of pillows, choosing the right one is essential. A thicker pillow is recommended for side sleepers to provide proper neck and spine alignment. Back sleepers benefit from thinner, ergonomically shaped pillows to maintain posture, while stomach sleepers should opt for lower, softer pillows to prevent neck strain.
Among pillow preferences, there were no clear favorites: 23% of respondents preferred down-filled pillows, 21% chose synthetic fiber pillows, and 20% opted for memory foam pillows.
Duvet preferences also vary, with down (23%), synthetic fiber (21%), and wool (16%) being the most popular choices among Hungarian consumers. These options allow individuals to select the most comfortable and temperature-appropriate bedding for their personal needs.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Jysk has committed to using only sustainably sourced cotton in all its textile products, including bed linens, towels, blankets, and pillows.
Despite the importance of sleep quality, many people remain dissatisfied with their sleeping conditions. The survey revealed that 20% of respondents are unhappy with their bed or mattress, while 30% believe there is room for improvement. There is better news for the remaining 50%, who feel their sleep environment fully meets their needs.
These findings suggest that conscious decision-making and expert guidance are essential for improving sleep quality. Jysk’s retail stores offer specialized consultations to help customers find the best sleep products tailored to their needs, earning it the “Sleep-friendly Company” title from the Hungarian Sleep Association.
“At Jysk, we prioritize good sleep. That’s why all our stores have dedicated mattress studios where trained staff assist customers in selecting the best mattresses, pillows, blankets, and mattress protectors,” says Krisztina Szilvási, the retailer’s communications manager. “These products play an essential role in ensuring restful sleep, regardless of the season.”
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of February 7, 2025.
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