The Worst Cities for Sleep in the U.S. Ranked

Creator: Medica Health team
Published: 2026-10-16
Keywords: Worst Cities for Sleep, Best Cities for Sleep, Worst U, Kansas City, Ranked Cities

medica-seed-editor · October 16, 2026, 9:04am

Your location can influence your rest, with some areas ranking as the Worst Cities for Sleep due to environmental and social factors.

How Your Environment Impacts Sleep Health

The place you call home affects your lifestyle, mental state, and physical wellness. Adults between 18 and 60 need at least 7 hours of shut-eye every night, yet many fail to reach this goal.

Several factors contribute to how well a population rests:

Environmental Conditions: Air and light pollution, noise levels, humidity, and temperature all play a part. For example, cooler bedrooms generally support better rest.
Geography: High altitudes can make the body work harder for oxygen, potentially increasing daytime sleepiness.
Socioeconomics: Access to healthcare and the quality of one’s mattress can dictate sleep quality. Long commutes and a lack of free time for decompression also contribute to insomnia.

The Best Cities for Sleep

Portland, Oregon, leads the list of the Best Cities for Sleep, with only 26.2% of its residents getting fewer than 7 hours of rest. Other top-performing cities include:

Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA: Both benefit from lower levels of air and light pollution. San Francisco also has the lowest obesity rate among the group.
Minneapolis, MN: This city features clean air and a low unemployment rate (2.7% as of September 2023), which may reduce stress.
Denver, CO: Despite its altitude, Denver ranks high due to an active population and clean air.
Lincoln, NE: Known as one of the quietest cities in the country, reducing noise-related disruptions.
San Jose, CA: This city has the lowest rate of depression among the top cities.
City Factors: Some residents have higher rates of access to healthcare and leisure time for exercise.
Omaha, NE and Austin, TX: Both show better-than-average rates for major health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Analyzing the Worst Cities for Sleep

Detroit, Michigan, is ranked among the Worst Cities for Sleep, as 45.6% of its residents do not get the recommended 7 hours of rest. This is often linked to high obesity rates and a lack of leisure time.

Other cities struggling with sleep include:

Ohio Hubs: Toledo (40%), Cincinnati (43%), and Cleveland (43%) all show high percentages of insufficient sleepers.
Newark, NJ: Ranked as one of the noisiest cities, it also has the highest percentage of uninsured residents (24.1%).
Philadelphia, PA: This city is noted as the worst for bed bug infestations, which can severely disrupt rest.
Kansas City, MO: This area lacks walkability and bike-friendliness, contributing to higher obesity and poorer sleep.
Buffalo, NY and New Orleans, LA: High rates of depression in Buffalo and lower median household incomes in New Orleans are linked to increased insomnia.

How Were the Ranked Cities Determined?

The rankings were based on data from the 2020 U.S.S. cities. Researchers looked at the percentage of people getting less than 7 hours of sleep and compared them against five health markers:

Obesity levels.
Mental health (specifically depression).
Availability of leisure time for exercise.
Completion of colon cancer screenings.

FAQ

Which city has the best sleep health?

Portland, Oregon, is the top-ranked city, with the lowest percentage of people getting insufficient sleep.

Which city is the worst for sleep?

Detroit, Michigan, is the worst, with nearly half of its residents sleeping less than 7 hours per night.

How does obesity affect sleep?

Obesity increases the risk of insomnia and other chronic health conditions that can disrupt a good night’s rest.

Do bed bugs impact these rankings?

Yes, cities like Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Baltimore are among the worst for sleep partly because they have high rates of bed bug infestations.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience the following:

Consistent inability to fall or stay asleep.
Excessive daytime sleepiness that interferes with work or safety.
Signs of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring or gasping for air during the night.
Chronic insomnia linked to depression or anxiety.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.