People choose a new mattress over a computer

Older generations would rather buy a new mattress than a computer, refrigerator or dishwasher if money were no object, a new survey has revealed.

Research carried out in America by the Better Sleep Council (BSC) found that one in six 44 to 62-year-olds, known as the baby boomer generation, had difficulty falling asleep every night.

The study also showed that 27 per cent of people would sacrifice chocolate and 22 per cent give up their mobile phones forever in return for a good sleep every night.

The BSC has advised changing a mattress every five to seven years to ensure it is supportive, which can help people to sleep comfortably.

Karin Dillner, director of communications at the BSC, said: "The best quality mattress is simply the one that meets your own personal needs for comfort and support, not necessarily the most expensive one in the store."

A recent report by Travelodge found that 22 million British workers said they were not getting eight hours sleep a night due to money worries and the credit crunch.

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