In the 50s we used to sleep eight hours a night. Nowadays the average is six and a half. Why have we become less keen on a proper night’s keep? Does our modern lifestyle promote sleep deprivation, meaning we’ll stay awake as long as it takes to consume as much online as possible?

Many Americans struggle to wind down at the end of the day, with one in three getting less than seven hours of shut-eye each night. But there are better ways to doze off than counting sheep. Sleep With Me is a purposefully dull podcast that sends listeners to sleep before they can finish an episode.

Since the industrial revolution, sleep has been compromised for the sake of productivity. But as studies reveal its importance to physical and mental health, companies are beginning to encourage better slumber. How are tech and medicine stepping in to repay our collective sleep debt?

One in three Americans report getting less than seven hours of rest each night, while 63% of Britons are unhappy with the amount of sleep they get – but could simply playing certain sounds improve sleep quality? The Rain Rain app promises to help you drift off with white noise and relaxing sounds.