Top 10 Most Sleep-deprived Cities in the US
June 22, 2020
Daylight saving time begins at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8 this year.
Ah, daylight saving. The sudden switch to longer, more sun-filled evenings makes the summer feel so much closer. You can hardly wait...until you remember...there's one less hour of sleep to enjoy!
An hour ripped away from your cold, sleepy hands. That hour matters. Researchers have found that there's an uptick in traffic accidents after daylight saving and a decrease in accidents when the hour is gained back in the fall. Sleep deprivation is also linked to increased risk of obesity. An hour makes a major impact on quality of life across multiple dimensions of wellness. When you're an hour down, it's harder to think clearly at work, it's easier to get snappy (with just about anyone), and you can probably forget about getting that workout in.
That got us thinking—are there some cities that are in a perpetual, sleep-deprived stupor? As part of the 2020 Mindbody Wellness Index, we asked more than 20,000 Americans across the top 50 cities in the US how much they agree with the following statement: I sleep at least 7-8 hours every night.
Here are the top 10 worst cities for a full night's sleep (and where each city isn't snoozing on other aspects of wellness).
1. Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is not OK when it comes to sleep. The city claims the title for the most sleep-deprived city in the US. Only 38% of Oklahoma City residents say that they get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Despite adequate rest, Oklahoma City manages to stay more zen than the average city, with only 40% saying they're stressed or extremely stressed.
2. Columbus, OH
People in Columbus aren't exactly sleeping in either; the Ohio capital is the second-most sleep-deprived city in the US. Just over 40% of residents get at least 7-8 hours a night. Here's something to "lift" C-bus's spirits, though. The city has the third-highest percentage of residents engaging in weekly strength training group fitness.
3. Long Beach, CA
For Long Beach, getting enough sleep is a long shot. Forty-one percent of the city gets in a full night's sleep each night. Long Beach is still getting in more fruits and veggies than average, and 73% of residents are getting in at least one workout a week.
4. El Paso, TX
With 41% of El Paso adults saying they get a minimum of 7-8 hours, this Texas town comes in fourth. Despite a lack of shuteye, El Paso is one of the happier cities in the US, ranking 16th.
5. Indianapolis, IN
Forty-two percent of Indianapolis gets a full night's rest. When it comes to spirituality, though, Indianapolis is faring better than most; 46% of residents say they're spiritually fulfilled.
6. Tucson, AZ
While 43% of Tucson agrees or strongly agrees that they get 7-8 hours of sleep a night—there's a high percentage of residents who strongly disagree, landing the city in the 6th slot. A lack of rest doesn't stop Tucson from snagging 15th in creativity; 54% of Tucson says they regularly engage in creative and mentally stimulating activities.
7. Sacramento, CA
Sacramento lands the title of seventh sleepiest. Sacramento is looking to boost its wellness with more yoga classes, though. The California capital has the highest percentage of group exercisers who are interested in incorporating yoga of all 50 cities. Classes with mindful movement, like yoga, provide a moment to catch one's breath during an otherwise busy (and restless) day.
8. Milwaukee, WI
The Wisconsin city comes in eighth in sleep deprivation. Milwaukee, though, might be swapping hours in bed for gym time. The city has the highest percentage of group fitness fans who want to try both cardio machine and HIIT classes.
9. New Orleans, LA
Forty-five percent of NOLA says they get their 7-8 hours. It might be the neighborhood block parties that are keeping people up into the wee hours. New Orlean's ranks high (#13) in feeling connected to their neighborhood and community.
10. San Jose, CA
A full night's rest? No way, (San) Jose. The city rounds out the top 10 most sleep-deprived list. Good news, though; San Jose has one of the lowest percentages of smokers in the country.
