Half UK workers lose over 9 hours of sleep a week worrying about work, shows new research

A quarter of workers have a work-related nightmare at least once a week

Going to work late is a common nightmare (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Half of UK workers are losing over nine hours of sleep a week worrying about their job, new research shows.

A quarter of workers have a work-related nightmare at least once a week, according to online jobs board Totaljobs.

Being late for work was the most common work-related nightmare (13 per cent), followed by the fear of being sacked (10 per cent).

Eight per cent of respondents said their nightmares revolved around an upcoming project while 7 per cent of people have dreamt about showing up to work naked.

A quarter of people have experienced work-related nightmares while they’re on holiday.

Psychologist and dreams expert Dr Ian Wallace said self-doubt and insecurity is the root cause of work-related nightmares.

"Dreams and nightmares are how we naturally attempt to resolve the accumulated emotional tension from all the information we unconsciously absorb everyday”, he said.

“Most of this tension is generated from encountering conflicts and challenges at work, particularly with colleagues, and so it's natural that our jobs count for a lot of our dream activity.”

Dr Wallace added that people and places in dreams should be interpreted as “symbols of personal realisation and development”.

“For example, dreaming about getting a pay rise or being promoted are subtle ways of recognising untapped talent that is waiting to be brought to the surface. Even a nightmare about being sacked indicates a chance to step out of your comfort zone and make your own career choices”.

Totaljobs HR director David Clift said he hoped employers begin to understand the importance of offering advice to employers, especially when facing challenges and conflicts in the workplace.