‘Understanding Society’ is a world leading study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council of the socio-economic circumstances in 40,000 British households, followed over many years. Analysis of the early data based on 14,000 UK households, which included an assessment of sleep quality and duration, found that 1 in 10 people report taking sleeping medication on three or more nights a week (9% men and 10% women). In addition, 25% of women and 15% of men aged over 85 years report taking sleeping medication on three or more nights a week. The overall conclusion of the analysis on sleep confirmed the links between sleep, social and economic circumstances and poor health.