A global survey of 2,500 managers conducted by Philips found that almost three quarters of them were not sleeping enough. The men and women questioned included company owners and founders, partners, board directors, senior, middle and junior managers. Two fifths of respondents blamed the state of the economy for their sleeplessness.

But what exactly is a good night’s sleep? Sleep experts say between 6.5 to 7.5 hours is optimum. Too little sleep is linked to serious cognitive deficits and reduced productivity.

Prof Charles Kreisler, professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, says that while corporations have policies designed to promote employee health, many encourage a culture of sleepless machismo, confusing sleeplessness with vitality and high performance. In the business environment this means corporations condone managers working 80-hour weeks, senior employees surviving on five or six hours of sleep a night, night after night, and expecting staff to conduct business in a cloud of caffeinated jet lag.

The Philips survey results back up the professor's claim. Nearly two thirds of respondents said lack of sleep affected their work because they were less able to concentrate, had less patience and enthusiasm. And a quarter even blamed poor judgment on lack of sleep.

Pressures of work and worry about the economic downturn may currently be keeping many of us up. The trend to less sleep started with the introduction of electric light. Now, the Internet, e-mail, cell phones and 24-hour entertainment all add to the distractions that keep us awake.

Unfortunately two fifths of respondents in the Philips survey, had no solution for their sleeplessness and simply tossed, turned and watched the clock until it was time to get up.

But there are solutions. These range from medications, to developing good sleep hygiene habits that help you get off to sleep and stay asleep. Philips as a health and well-being company, has products that help many people sleep better, waking up refreshed and ready for day.

Through its acquisition of Respironics, Philips has become a global leader in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Philips is also developing devices that will tackle insomnia and help people sleep longer. This includes devices to induce sleep, tools to aid relaxation and do-it-yourself cognitive behavioral therapies.

Philips is also interested in circadian disorders. These affect shift workers and jet-lagged travelers and can be addressed using novel ways to reset the body clock. It turns out that the most effective way to reset the body clock is by using light and Philips has been making lights since 1891.

To compare yourself and your sleep habits to the managers who took part in the Philips sleep survey just answer these questions.