Have you ever wondered which cities in the USA are the most sleep-deprived? Which ones have the most night owls, the most early birds, and the most restless sleepers? How does the lack of sleep affect the health, productivity, and happiness of the residents of these cities?
In this article, we will explore the top 10 cities that never sleep in the USA based on their average sleep duration, sleep efficiency, bedtime, and wake-up time. We will also look at some of the factors that contribute to their sleep habits, such as lifestyle, culture, climate, and economy.
Please note that this ranking is based on the data from SleepScore Labs, a partner in sleep data and science expertise. The data was collected from 20 of the biggest US cities using SleepScore’s app and devices. The data reflects the sleep patterns of the users of SleepScore’s products and may not represent the general population of each city.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 cities that never sleep in the USA.
10. San Francisco – 6 hours and 1 minute
San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and booming tech industry. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 6 hours and 1 minute per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of the possible reasons for San Francisco’s low sleep duration is its high cost of living, which may cause stress and anxiety among its residents. According to a report by Business Insider, San Francisco is the most expensive city to live in the USA, with a median monthly rent of $4,210 and a median home price of $1.6 million. The high cost of living may also force some residents to work longer hours or multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Another possible reason for San Francisco’s low sleep duration is its vibrant nightlife, which may tempt some residents to stay up late and enjoy the city’s entertainment options. According to a report by WalletHub, San Francisco ranks as the third best city for nightlife in the USA, with a high score for nightlife options, accessibility, safety, and quality. The city offers a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants, theaters, and festivals that cater to different tastes and preferences.
9. Los Angeles – 5 hours and 58 minutes
Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather, glamorous Hollywood scene, and diverse population. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 58 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Los Angeles’ low sleep duration is its heavy traffic congestion, which may cause stress and frustration among its residents. According to a report by INRIX, Los Angeles ranks as the most congested city in the USA, with an average of 119 hours spent in traffic per year. The traffic congestion may also affect the residents’ commute time, which may reduce their time for sleep.
Another possible reason for Los Angeles’ low sleep duration is its competitive culture, which may drive some residents to work harder and longer to achieve their goals. According to a report by Forbes, Los Angeles ranks as the eighth most competitive city in the USA, with a high score for economic performance, human capital, innovation potential, and quality of life. The competitive culture may also influence the residents’ social pressure, which may affect their self-esteem and mental health.
8. Houston – 5 hours and 57 minutes
Houston is known for its space exploration, energy industry, and cultural diversity. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 57 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Houston’s low sleep duration is its hot and humid climate, which may affect the quality and comfort of sleep. According to a report by US News, Houston ranks as the fourth hottest city in the USA, with an average annual temperature of 69.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot and humid climate may also increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, dehydration, and exhaustion.
Another possible reason for Houston’s low sleep duration is its high crime rate, which may cause fear and anxiety among its residents. According to a report by Neighborhood Scout, Houston ranks as the 11th most dangerous city in the USA, with a violent crime rate of 9.49 per 1,000 residents. The high crime rate may also affect the residents’ safety and security, which may impact their sleep.
7. Chicago – 5 hours and 56 minutes
Chicago is known for its architecture, culture, and sports. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 56 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Chicago’s low sleep duration is its cold and windy weather, which may affect the quality and comfort of sleep. According to a report by US News, Chicago ranks as the second coldest city in the USA, with an average annual temperature of 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold and windy weather may also increase the risk of cold-related illnesses, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and flu.
Another possible reason for Chicago’s low sleep duration is its high stress level, which may affect the mental and physical health of its residents. According to a report by WalletHub, Chicago ranks as the ninth most stressed city in the USA, with a high score for work stress, health stress, financial stress, and family stress. The high stress level may also affect the residents’ mood, productivity, and happiness.
6. New York – 5 hours and 55 minutes
New York is known for its skyscrapers, culture, and diversity. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 55 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for New York’s low sleep duration is its fast-paced and hectic lifestyle, which may affect the quality and quantity of sleep. According to a report by Business Insider, New York ranks as the second most productive city in the USA, with a high score for economic output, innovation potential, and human capital. The fast-paced and hectic lifestyle may also affect the residents’ work-life balance, which may impact their health and well-being.
Another possible reason for New York’s low sleep duration is its noisy and bright environment, which may interfere with the natural sleep cycle. According to a report by Sleepopolis, New York ranks as the second loudest city in the USA, with an average noise level of 60.9 decibels. The noisy and bright environment may also affect the residents’ melatonin production, which is a hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness.
5. Boston – 5 hours and 54 minutes
Boston is known for its history, education, and sports. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 54 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Boston’s low sleep duration is its high level of education, which may affect the amount and quality of sleep. According to a report by WalletHub, Boston ranks as the third most educated city in the USA, with a high score for educational attainment, quality of education, and educational opportunities. The high level of education may also affect the residents’ academic pressure, which may impact their stress and anxiety levels.
Another possible reason for Boston’s low sleep duration is its cold and snowy weather, which may affect the comfort and convenience of sleep. According to a report by US News, Boston ranks as the fifth snowiest city in the USA, with an average annual snowfall of 43.8 inches. The cold and snowy weather may also affect the residents’ mood, energy, and immunity.
4. Philadelphia – 5 hours and 53 minutes
Philadelphia is known for its history, culture, and cheesesteaks. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 53 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Philadelphia’s low sleep duration is its high poverty rate, which may affect the quality and accessibility of sleep. According to a report by The Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia ranks as the poorest among the 10 largest US cities, with a poverty rate of 23.3%. The high poverty rate may also affect the residents’ health, housing, and food security.
Another possible reason for Philadelphia’s low sleep duration is its high caffeine consumption, which may interfere with the natural sleep cycle. According to a report by WalletHub, Philadelphia ranks as the fourth most caffeinated city in the USA, with a high score for coffee shops per capita, coffee prices, and coffee lovers. The high caffeine consumption may also affect the residents’ mood, energy, and health.
3. Detroit – 5 hours and 52 minutes
Detroit is known for its automotive industry, music scene, and sports teams. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 52 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Detroit’s low sleep duration is its high unemployment rate, which may affect the quality and quantity of sleep. According to a report by US News, Detroit ranks as the second worst city for jobs in the USA, with an unemployment rate of 8.8%. The high unemployment rate may also affect the residents’ income, opportunities, and happiness.
Another possible reason for Detroit’s low sleep duration is its high crime rate, which may cause fear and anxiety among its residents. According to a report by Neighborhood Scout, Detroit ranks as the most dangerous city in the USA, with a violent crime rate of 19.5 per 1,000 residents. The high crime rate may also affect the residents’ safety and security, which may impact their sleep.
2. Las Vegas – 5 hours and 51 minutes
Las Vegas is known for its casinos, shows, and nightlife. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 51 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Las Vegas’ low sleep duration is its 24/7 entertainment industry, which may affect the quality and quantity of sleep. According to a report by WalletHub, Las Vegas ranks as the best city for nightlife in the USA, with a high score for nightlife options, accessibility, safety, and quality. The 24/7 entertainment industry may also affect the residents’ circadian rhythm, which is the natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
Another possible reason for Las Vegas’ low sleep duration is its dry and hot climate, which may affect the comfort and convenience of sleep. According to a report by US News, Las Vegas ranks as the third driest city in the USA, with an average annual precipitation of 4.2 inches. The dry and hot climate may also increase the risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and skin problems.
1. Seattle – 5 hours and 50 minutes
Seattle is known for its coffee culture, tech industry, and natural beauty. However, it is also one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA, with an average sleep duration of only 5 hours and 50 minutes per night. This is below the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night by the CDC.
One of the possible reasons for Seattle’s low sleep duration is its high caffeine consumption, which may interfere with the natural sleep cycle. According to a report by WalletHub, Seattle ranks as the most caffeinated city in the USA, with a high score for coffee shops per capita, coffee prices, and coffee lovers. The high caffeine consumption may also affect the residents’ mood, energy, and health.
Another possible reason for Seattle’s low sleep duration is its cloudy and rainy weather, which may affect the quality and comfort of sleep. According to a report by US News, Seattle ranks as the cloudiest city in the USA, with an average annual cloud cover of 71%. The cloudy and rainy weather may also affect the residents’ vitamin D production, which is a hormone that regulates sleep and mood.