How Does Your City Rank for Sleep Health?
Do you live in a city that helps or hinders your sleep quality? According to a recent study by U.S. News & World Report’s 360 Reviews, some cities in the U.S. are better than others when it comes to sleep health. The study ranked the 50 most populated U.S. cities based on factors such as air, light, and noise pollution, physical activity, and short sleep duration. The results may surprise you!
In this article, we will reveal the top 10 best and worst cities for sleep in the U.S., according to the study. We will also share some tips on how to improve your sleep environment and habits, no matter where you live. 😴
The Top 10 Best Cities for Sleep
The study found that the following cities are the best for sleep health in the U.S.:
1. Austin, TX
2. Raleigh, NC
3. Fort Worth, TX
4. San Diego, CA
5. Colorado Springs, CO
6. Albuquerque, NM
7. Tulsa, OK
8. Omaha, NE
9. San Jose, CA
10. Tucson, AZ
These cities scored well on air quality, light pollution, noise pollution, physical activity, and short sleep duration. They also had relatively low rates of obesity, diabetes, and mental health risks. Some of these cities also earned the best sleep quality rating and snore score from Sleep Cycle, a sleep tracking app that anonymously collects data from its users.
What makes these cities so sleep-friendly? Some possible reasons are:
– They have more natural scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities that promote physical activity and reduce stress.
– They have less traffic congestion and public transportation options that reduce noise pollution and commuting time.
– They have more health-conscious and environmentally-friendly lifestyles that support good sleep hygiene and wellness.
– They have more access to health care and insurance that help prevent and treat sleep disorders and other health issues.
The Top 10 Worst Cities for Sleep
On the other hand, the study found that the following cities are the worst for sleep health in the U.S.:
1. Philadelphia, PA
2. Miami, FL
3. Detroit, MI
4. New York, NY
5. Memphis, TN
6. Chicago, IL
7. Washington, DC
8. Boston, MA
9. Long Beach, CA
10. Fresno, CA
These cities scored poorly on air quality, light pollution, noise pollution, physical activity, and short sleep duration. They also had relatively high rates of obesity, diabetes, and mental health risks. Some of these cities also earned the worst sleep quality rating and snore score from Sleep Cycle.
What makes these cities so sleep-unfriendly? Some possible reasons are:
– They have more urban sprawl and industrial development that increase air and light pollution.
– They have more noise sources such as airports, highways, trains, sirens, and nightlife that disrupt sleep.
– They have more stressors such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and social inequality that affect mental health and well-being.
– They have less access to health care and insurance that hinder prevention and treatment of sleep disorders and other health issues.
How to Improve Your Sleep Quality
No matter where you live, you can take steps to improve your sleep quality and health by creating a comfortable and conducive sleep environment and following good sleep habits.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Your bedroom should be cool (around 65°F), dark (use blackout curtains or an eye mask), and quiet (use earplugs or a white noise machine). You should also invest in a comfortable mattress , pillow , bedding , and pajamas that suit your preferences and needs.
Follow Good Sleep Habits
You should aim to get at least seven hours of quality sleep every night by following these tips:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule , even on weekends
- Avoid caffeine , alcohol , nicotine , and heavy meals close to bedtime
- Turn off electronics and screens at least an hour before bed
- Do relaxing activities such as reading, listening to music, or meditating before bed
- Avoid napping too long or too late in the day
- Get enough sunlight and exercise during the day
- If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatments
The Bottom Line
Sleep is essential for your physical, mental, and emotional health. However, where you live can affect your sleep quality and quantity in various ways. Some cities in the U.S. are more sleep-friendly than others, according to a recent study by U.S. News & World Report’s 360 Reviews.
The study ranked the 50 most populated U.S. cities based on factors such as air, light, and noise pollution, physical activity, and short sleep duration. The top 10 best cities for sleep were Austin, Raleigh, Fort Worth, San Diego, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque, Tulsa, Omaha, San Jose, and Tucson. The top 10 worst cities for sleep were Philadelphia, Miami, Detroit, New York, Memphis, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Long Beach, and Fresno.
No matter where you live, you can improve your sleep quality and health by creating a comfortable and conducive sleep environment and following good sleep habits. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of better sleep such as improved mood , memory , immunity , productivity , and overall well-being . 😊
Do you agree with the study’s findings? How does your city rank for sleep health? What are some of the challenges or advantages of sleeping in your city? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
References:
- The 10 Best (and Worst) U.S. Cities for Sleep
- The Best and Worst Cities for Sleep in the U.S.
- Where Is the Best City in the U.S. for Sleep?
- US News & World Report ranks best, worst cities for sleep
