Hiber-nation: Brits to spent 234 hours on sofa, watch 169 TV shows, drink 130 cups of tea or coffee and eat 26 takeaways this winter

Zehnder UK researchers say that seven in ten Brits plan to ‘hibernate’ this winter
Reasearch reveals Brits are to spend a whopping 18 hours a week on the sofa
In addition, the population will consume a staggering 130 cups of tea or coffee

The days are getting darker, the outside temperature is cooling and festive goodies are creeping into the shops – some of the many signs winter is truly on its way.

This can only mean one thing: a perfect excuse to stay in the house, light the fire, eat comforting food and indulge in all forms of indoor activity and entertainment.

Although we may relish the idea of ‘switching off’ to bask in an abundance of sofa and duvet days during the cold season, staggering numbers have been drawn up to estimate exactly how many hours the average Briton will spend indoors this winter.

Researchers from indoor climate solutions provider, Zehnder UK, found that more than seven in ten Brits (75 percent) insist they plan to hibernate from now until March.

The study also reveals that over the 13 weeks of winter (beginning of November until end of February), the average UK citizen will spend nine hours of their waking day inside – only venturing out for three humble hours.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, 83 percent say that they avoid going outside during the winter unless they are really required to, and instead will spend 18 hours a week on the sofa

Zehnder UK researchers found that more than seven in ten Brits insist they plan to hibernate from now until March, and will spend 234 hours in total on the sofa (Photo: Shutterstock)

It’s estimated that we are to spend 18 hours a week plonked on the sofa – a whopping 234 hours in total.

In addition, 13 duvet days are set to be enjoyed and 130 cups of tea, coffee or hot chocolate will be consumed, while snuggling up to watch 39 films and approximately 169 episodes of our favourite TV shows.

As many as 26 takeaways will be ordered, 13 Sunday roasts will be devoured, and Brits will fiddle with the central heating thermostat a staggering 39 times.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, 83 percent say that they avoid going outside during the winter unless they are really required to.

In the winter, ‘cancel culture’ takes on an entirely different meaning, as according to the study, 59 percent of Brits are prepared to cancel social arrangements if it’s too cold outside.

In fact, 78 percent say the best thing about the winter is not feeling the pressure to be outside ‘doing things’ all the time, and utilise the season as a way to unwind.

Yet, despite hunkering down, Brits will struggle to get enjoy a moments peace due to raging colds and flus this season – with as many as 88 percent of the population often feeling run down during the winter.

Around 66 percent of the nation suffer with with sore throats during the colder months, alongside 59 percent experiencing blocked noses and 47 percent endure dry skin, the most common winter ailments.

13 duvet days are set to be enjoyed and 130 cups of tea, coffee or hot chocolate will be consumed, while snuggling up to watch 39 films and 169 episodes of TV shows (Photo: Getty)

However, Zehnder experts, who commissioned the poll, warn of the dangers of spending too much time indoors over the coming months.

Indoor air quality expert, Stuart Smith, told MailOnline: ‘Feeling cosy and staying indoors more throughout the winter months is a natural reaction to the cold, but by doing so, we could be creating an environment that may affect our health.’

Smith advises that we should be aware of condensation and mould caused by a cycle of making hot drinks, having hot baths and showers and drying clothes inside, as we spend up to nine hours of the waking day indoors this winter.

The expert has said that, alarmingly, almost three quarters of Brits (73 percent) experience condensation on their windows and nearly a half (45 percent) say they experience mould in their homes.

Smith added: ‘The average family produces 24 pints of water vapour a day through routine activity but many think opening windows and turning on extract fans, which would help extract the moisture, will make their homes too cold, so don’t.’

Despite plans to stay in, Brits will more than likely be affected by raging colds and flus, with as many as 88 percent of the population often feeling run down during the winter (Photo: Getty)

Zehnder experts warn of the dangers of spending too much time indoors during winter, such as mould and condensation caused by hot baths and showers, continuous rounds of hot drinks made and drying clothes indoors (Photo: Getty)

According to Smith, condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets cooler surfaces, for example a steamy bathroom and cold windowsill.

This is particularly prevalent in winter as temperatures drop, windows get closed and households turn on their heating. The excess moisture and humidity in the air quickly condenses and can quickly cause toxic mould to form.

Stuart warned: ‘A little condensation may not seem like a big deal, but the truth is, it’s a silent indicator of potential trouble. Ignoring this seemingly harmless moisture build-up, can pave the way for a host of larger issues.’

Despite some of the challenges the change in temperature brings, a resounding 64 percent of Brits said they look forward to the winter months.

In October, the Met Office released a list of wacky ways to wrap up and keep warm this winter – including ankle socks filled with microwave beans, wearing a swimming cap and wearing multiple thin layers of clothing.

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