Belfast has been named one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the UK, according to newly analysed data covering the period from 2020 to 2024.
The city ranked second in a national survey by Time4Sleep, with a sleep score of 35 out of 200. Hull was the worst-performing city with a score of 15, followed by Bristol, Coventry and Sheffield. The findings were compiled using data from Medico Digital, Time4Sleep, Blinds Direct and the Office for National Statistics.
The report also identified the most sleep-deprived regions across the UK. Greater London, the South East and the East of England topped the list, while the North East recorded the most erratic year-on-year sleep durations.
Despite its reputation as a city that never sleeps, London averaged 9.02 hours of sleep per night in 2024. In contrast, the North East saw fluctuations in sleep hours, rising from 8.98 in 2020 to 9.67 in 2021 before returning to 8.98 in 2022. The South East recorded the UK’s lowest sleep average in 2020 at 8.55 hours but rebounded to 9.29 by 2022. The East of England saw a steady decline in sleep duration from 2020 to 2022, dropping to 8.59 hours before beginning to recover.
The North West also reported persistent struggles, with average sleep durations never exceeding 9.16 hours. According to analysts, sleep instability often mirrors underlying economic and lifestyle pressures, including shift work, housing density and commuting patterns.
The report highlights several public health risks associated with chronic sleep deprivation. These include impaired immune function, mental health deterioration, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, memory and concentration issues, and heightened susceptibility to obesity and diabetes.
Oliver Capel, digital healthcare expert and managing director at Medico Digital, said: “Sleep is foundational to both physical and mental health. Chronic deprivation or instability contributes to anxiety, cardiovascular risk, reduced productivity, and more. These regional disparities show that we need more than general awareness campaigns. Local governments, NHS trusts, and employers must start treating sleep like the public health issue it is.
“We often underestimate how sleep trends reflect broader socioeconomic pressures. From commuting hours to digital distractions and housing density, each factor plays a role in shaping a community’s sleep health. What the data shows is that sleep loss isn’t just a personal issue, but a systemic one.
“For example, cities and regions reporting volatile sleep hours often align with economic instability or inconsistent working patterns. The North East’s year-on-year swings suggest households under fluctuating pressures, whether from shift work, commuting changes, or lifestyle instability post-COVID. By contrast, places like London benefit from better access to wellness resources, more flexible work models, and growing health awareness.
“Healthcare leaders must now look beyond clinical care and target the environmental and behavioural barriers that disrupt rest. Investing in public sleep education, lighting policy, housing infrastructure, and employer partnerships could lead to long-term gains not just in sleep, but in national wellbeing.”
The full dataset and regional analysis can be accessed at www.medicodigital.com.au