Sleep deprivation among British adults has helped one independent retailer see record demand for energy drinks.

Research from Mintel suggests 39% of adults are getting just under the recommended seven hours of sleep a night, while 5% get just four hours.

Mintel personal care analyst Hera Crossan said: “Britain’s sleep deprivation problem is now an epidemic – half of consumers are not getting the sleep we need or struggle to find time to go to bed.”

Anita Nye, of Premier Eldred Drive Stores in Orpington, said: “We sell 100 cans a day. Our shoppers are families whose daily lives impact resting hours.”