Eight in 10 Brits stick to a strict morning routine – and these are their key habits

Eight in 10 stick rigidly to a set morning routine. A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed some very set opinions on the best way to start the day with 83% rigidly sticking to a regime – although their approaches vary.

More than four in 10 (42%) prefer to shower in the morning, while 23% opt for a nighttime rinse – the rest have no preference or do both. It also turns out, 34% get up immediately at their first alarm, while 26% hit ‘snooze’ once or twice before rising.

Coffee is the preferred morning ‘fuel’ of choice (36%) over tea (32%). Meanwhile, almost half (47%) check their phone within five minutes of waking up, with only 3% resisting checking 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.

Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts commissioned the research and teamed up with comedian Rob Beckett, who launched The Great Wake-up Debate – inviting people to have their say on the right way to start 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.”

Almost two thirds (65%) said their night-time habits directly affect how they feel the next morning with 49% struggling 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%) also sleep with just one pillow while 43% favour a more elaborate three-pillow set-up.

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.

“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. While 20% will book a hotel room without a second thought – if they know there is a comfy bed waiting.

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.”