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One in four business travellers has fallen asleep in a meeting due to lack of sleep
British Airways Survey Reveals Government and Political Employees Are the Most Sleep Deprived NEW YORK, March 30, 2005
Business
travelers are simply not getting enough sleep, according to a new
survey conducted by British Airways and Research International in
recognition of National Sleep Awareness Week. Out of 1,000
professionals surveyed, 25 percent admitted to falling asleep in a
meeting due to sleep deprivation, and 70 percent felt they were less
productive after traveling. Nearly one in five had a presentation go
badly or lost business as a result of poor sleep due to air travel.
While
lack of shuteye is common across a broad range of industries, it is
most acute among professionals working in government and politics.
Legal/security/law, computer/software and banking/finance/investment
rounded out the top four.
Citing work stress, family
demands and frequent travel, the average overnight business traveler
gets less than the seven to nine hours sleep per night recommended by
the National Sleep Foundation. They lose even more sleep during air
travel. According to the survey, business travelers only sleep for an
average of three hours on overnight flights in economy class and four
hours in business and first.
“Our goal is to help
business class passengers get the most sleep possible during flight so
they are at peak performance when they arrive at their destination,”
said Robin Hayes, Executive Vice President, British Airways, the
Americas. “As a result of recent improvements in Club World, forty
percent of British Airways’ passengers are now getting an extra 100
minutes of sleep”
British Airways is at the forefront
of research and innovation when it comes to understanding the needs of
business travelers. The airline, which was the first to launch flat
beds in its Club World business class on all flights between North
America and London, is introducing softer, more comfortable seat foams
with the latest technology to enable better sleep. In addition, British
Airways’ Sleeper Service provides passenger amenities such as
pre-flight dining, a more tranquil cabin with fewer announcements and
nightcap service with comforting hot chocolate and cookies.
The
study also addressed the issue of jet lag. Overnight business travelers
cited the following top five methods for overcoming jet lag:
Showering upon arrival
Drinking water during a flight
Taking a walk outside upon arrival
Taking a nap after landing
Upgrading to a higher class
British
Airways Club World passengers can offset the effects of jet lag by
taking advantage of its London Arrivals Lounge. Services offered
include 48 private shower suites and personal valet service.
About the Survey Findings
are based on a study conducted online by Research International among
1,000 overnight and international business travelers who took at least
2 trips in the past year.
About British Airways
British
Airways is one of the world’s largest international passenger airlines
with a fleet of 293 aircraft carrying more than 36 million passengers a
year to some 216 destinations (including 22 in North America) in 94
countries.
The airline has long been regarded as an
industry leader, which takes great pride in delivering the highest
levels of innovative customer service. It has invested almost a billion
dollars in new products, which have redefined travel for the 21st
century. These include Club World, featuring the first fully flat bed
for business travelers and World Traveler Plus, a class of travel for
longhaul economy travelers offering a dedicated cabin with wider seats
and greater legroom.
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