The February 2026 report on sleep habits across the UK reveals that in York, residents have the best night’s sleep. With one in three adults in the UK experiencing insomnia, a new study by a furniture retailer, Roomes, compared resting conditions across the country.
Quick Highlights
- UK residents sleep the best in York, with the longest average sleep time of 7 hours and 8 minutes.
- Norwich is the quietest city in the ranking, with the lowest noise pollution among the biggest UK cities.
- Only 22-25% of UK residents work night shifts in Dudley, making it easier to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
To compare the resting and sleeping conditions in UK cities, the study looked at average sleep duration, noise and light pollution levels, and night-shift prevalence. It also assessed working conditions, such as average weekly working hours and the commute time, that directly impact the length of potential rest. Finally, the research took into account the overcrowding rate, which also impacts the noise.
Overview of the 10 UK Cities That Sleep the Best at Night
| City | Average Sleep Duration | Noise Pollution Level (dB Lden) | Night-shift Prevalence | Avg. Weekly Working Hours (FT) | Average One-Way Commute Time | Overcrowding Rate (%) |
| York | 7h 08m | 58.6 | 26-29% | 36.50 | 32.9 | 2.50 |
| Norwich | 6h 54m | 58.2 | 24-27% | 36.70 | 31.9 | 4.20 |
| Swansea | 6h 33m | 61.5 | 24-27% | 36.60 | 17.0 | 3.10 |
| Milton Keynes | 6h 40m | 60.5 | 23-26% | 36.80 | 25.0 | 4.90 |
| Dudley | 6h 28m | 61.4 | 22-25% | 36.90 | 26.0 | 3.80 |
| Aberdeen | 6h 50m | 59.1 | 26-29% | 37.10 | 31.1 | 2.80 |
| Newport | 6h 35m | 61.9 | 23-26% | 36.90 | 21.8 | 3.60 |
| Southend-on-Sea | 6h 36m | 60.2 | 25-28% | 36.40 | 33.0 | 3.90 |
| Wolverhampton | 7h 02m | 63.7 | 23-26% | 36.40 | 25.0 | 6.10 |
| Sunderland | 6h 27m | 63.5 | 22-26% | 36.60 | 26.0 | 3.50 |
You can access the full report findings by following this link.
A Closer Look at the Top 5
1. York
- Average sleep time: 7h 08 minutes
- Noise pollution level: 58.6 dB Lden
- Night-shift schedule: 26-29% of residents
- Average weekly working hours: 36.5
- Average one-way commute time: 32.9 minutes
- Overcrowding rate: 2.5%
The residents of York have the best sleep in all of the UK, resting for 7 hours and 8 minutes on average. The low light and noise levels help with creating good sleeping conditions, as well as an overcrowding rate of only 2.5%, meaning low housing density. Most residents also work a day shift, and only 26-29% of people here need to deal with different sleeping patterns.
2. Norwich
Norwich ranks 2nd as the quietest city on the list. It records the lowest noise pollution levels in the ranking, letting people sleep without distractions, and shows moderate lighting on the streets. Here, residents sleep almost 7 hours on average and, thanks to good rest, report high life satisfaction at 7.3 out of 10.
3. Swansea
Swansea earns third position, with one of the best working conditions for residents, which gives plenty of time for rest. A one-way commute here takes only 17 minutes, and workers spend a little over 36 and a half hours on their duties each week. Swansea also has a lower housing density than Norwich, which contributes to quieter neighbourhoods.
4. Milton Keynes
In fourth place among the best UK cities for resting is Milton Keynes, where residents sleep 6 hours and 40 minutes on average, longer than in Swansea. Fewer people here work night shifts, between 23 and 26%, so the noise pollution levels are also lower. The residents also enjoy living in Milton Keynes the most, with the highest life satisfaction score in the top 5, at 7.5/10.
5. Dudley
With only 22-25% of residents working at night, Dudley takes fifth place. People here sleep 6 h 28 m on average, but low radiance and the lack of noise at night contribute to healthy resting habits. Dudley also has more space and keeps neighbourhoods quieter than Milton Keynes or Norwich.
Holly Ambrose, an interior designer from Roomes, commented on the study:
“The NHS recommends adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, but many cannot manage that. City environments can support or disrupt healthy sleep, but people can also develop what specialists call ‘sleep hygiene,’ which is their bedroom setup and resting habits. Try starting with small adjustments: keep your room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Darkness tells your body to produce sleep hormones, and cooler air can help you fall asleep faster. While this won’t have an immediate effect, it can increase the chances that you will start getting better sleep at night over time.”
This article was written for WHN by Roomes. Their promise is simple: to make every home more beautiful and every customer feel genuinely cared for.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements.
