Urban haven, Bristol, tops UK sleep charts according to a study assessing city sleep quality
In a recent study by iSelect, a health insurance comparison service, Bristol has been crowned the best city for sleep in the UK. The Good Night's Sleep Index ranks cities based on factors critical for a good night's rest, including noise complaints, light pollution, hours of darkness, and temperature.
Bristol leads the index with a score of 63.81, thanks to its low noise complaints, minimal light pollution, and cool temperatures. The city boasts 11.75 hours of darkness, making it an ideal location for stargazing, as supported by a 2021 BBC Sky at Night Magazine study.
Liverpool ranks second with a score of 57.79, also benefiting from 11.73 hours of darkness and low light pollution. However, it faces more noise complaints compared to Nottingham, which secures third place with a score of 56.93. Leicester follows closely with a score of 56.39, featuring 11.74 hours of darkness and low light pollution, but with higher noise complaints.
London, with a score of 39.84, has high noise levels with over 590 monthly complaints, despite 11.75 hours of darkness and a light pollution score of 0.20. This high noise level, caused primarily by traffic and nightlife, can disrupt sleep and contribute to health issues like insomnia and cardiovascular problems.
On the other end of the spectrum, Leeds ranks lowest with a score of 35.85, affected by 320 noise complaints and a light pollution score of 0.15. Glasgow scores 37.44, struggling with 320 noise complaints and a high light pollution score of 0.09, despite 11.71 hours of darkness.
The 2023 House of Lords report emphasizes the impact of urban environments on sleep quality, and light pollution, which affects melatonin production and circadian rhythms, is another critical factor. Most UK cities maintain moderate climates suitable for sleep, but temperature also plays a role in sleep quality, as extreme conditions can hinder rest.
While the specific iSelect ranking details are not present in the search results provided, it is generally known that cities with lower noise complaints, less light pollution, cooler temperatures, and longer hours of darkness tend to score better for sleep quality. If you're seeking a good night's sleep, Bristol might just be the city for you.
In the realm of health-and-wellness, Bristol's cool temperatures, low noise complaints, and minimal light pollution make it an optimal place for a good night's sleep, as backed by both the Good Night's Sleep Index and a 2021 BBC Sky at Night Magazine study. On the flip side, cities with high levels of noise, such as London, can disrupt sleep and lead to health issues like insomnia and cardiovascular problems. Thus, the science of sleep suggests that cities with less noise, less light pollution, cool temperatures, and longer hours of darkness are conducive to better sleep, implying that Bristol could be an ideal destination for health-and-wellness enthusiasts seeking quality sleep.
