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Over 40% of people questioned admitted that they felt guilty for not replying to emails from friends and family, with a third claiming that they are "overwhelmed" by the number of messages they receive.

The survey also shows that women were more affected than men, although it fails to shed any light on whether this is because women send more personal emails, or tend to be worse at replying to them.

The problem also, somewhat predictably, seems to be worse among the more technology-savvy younger generations. 57% of 16 to 24 year-olds reported feeling stressed by email, while only 35% of over 55 year-olds reported the same problem.

The survey found that the average person in the UK has two email accounts, and checks them two to three times a day.

"Our research shows that the pressure to keep on top of personal email is a major cause for concern for a great many Britons, who place a high importance on keeping in touch with friends and family," says Eva Heil, managing director of GMX. "It is therefore all the more important for providers to make email management as easy and effective as possible."