5 Most Sleep Deprived Cities in the USA

Sleep deprivation is a growing concern in many American cities. According to recent data from Mattress Firm and SleepScore Labs (2026), several metropolitan areas stand out for their high rates of insufficient and poor-quality sleep. Below, we break down the top five most sleep-deprived cities in the United States and the factors contributing to their restless nights.

1. New York City

New York City is famous for being “the city that never sleeps,” and statistics show that its residents truly struggle to get enough rest.

• Despite most reporting 7-8 hours per night, New Yorkers’ sleep quality is below the national average.
• High stress levels and a fast-paced lifestyle contribute to poor sleep health.
• Physical inactivity is also a concern, with New York ranking second for low activity levels among major cities.
• However, participation in group fitness classes like yoga is increasing, which may help improve sleep quality over time.

2. Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City residents also face significant sleep challenges, influenced by the city’s economic and lifestyle factors.

• Industries such as oil, gas, and aviation contribute to irregular schedules and sleep disruption.
• Oklahoma City does not rank high for sleep scores, but residents benefit from better access to health insurance and nutritious diets compared to some other cities on this list.
• More residents are joining group fitness classes, including strength training, which can support better sleep.

3. Baltimore

Baltimore’s population reports high levels of sleep deprivation and related health issues.

• Nearly 40% of Baltimore residents get less than the recommended amount of sleep each night.
• Poor physical health and elevated stress levels are common.

Other cities with similar sleep challenges include:

• Nashville, TN: Residents face sleep difficulties due to debt and stress.
• Columbus, OH: Ranks third for sleep deprivation and has higher mental health concerns than Baltimore.
• Sacramento, CA: Many residents do not reach 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, but regular participation in group fitness and yoga helps counteract stress.

4. Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, located in the Hampton Roads region, is another city where sleep deprivation is a widespread issue.

• Residents face high rates of stress, obesity, and poor mental health.
• Norfolk has one of the highest incidences of arthritis, which can make restful sleep difficult.
• On the positive side, Norfolk residents have above-average access to physicians and regular medical check-ups, helping to detect and manage sleep-related issues like snoring and sleep apnea.

5. New Orleans

New Orleans rounds out the list with a significant portion of its population not getting enough sleep.

• Only about 40.8% of residents report sleeping the recommended seven hours per night.
• Factors such as smoking, obesity, and binge drinking contribute to poor sleep health.
• Physical inactivity is also a concern, with a large percentage of residents not engaging in regular exercise.

Other Notable Cities

• Philadelphia: Highest snoring rates, frequent doctor visits to mitigate related health issues.
• Anchorage, Oklahoma City, Long Beach: Over 41% of residents report uninterrupted sleep nightly.
• Portland, Albuquerque: Top sleep quality ratings (72%), possibly linked to high participation in weekly strength training group fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most sleep-deprived cities in the USA in 2026?

The top five most sleep-deprived cities in the United States, according to 2026 data from Mattress Firm and SleepScore Labs, are New York City, Oklahoma City, Baltimore, Norfolk, and New Orleans.

What factors contribute to sleep deprivation in these cities?

Common factors include high stress levels, physical inactivity, irregular work schedules, obesity, poor mental health, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and binge drinking. Access to healthcare and fitness resources can help mitigate some of these issues.

How can residents in these cities improve their sleep quality?

Improvement strategies include participating in group fitness or yoga classes, maintaining a nutritious diet, managing stress, and seeking regular medical and dental check-ups to identify sleep disorders like apnea or snoring.

Which city has the highest rate of snoring?

Philadelphia has the highest snoring rate among major U.S. cities, which can contribute to poor sleep quality and related health problems.

Are there cities where residents report better sleep?

Yes, cities such as Portland and Albuquerque have higher reported sleep quality, with many residents participating in regular group fitness activities that support healthy sleep patterns.