Summary: New research ranks London as the UK city where residents get the least sleep, averaging 5 hours 53 minutes nightly. Noise, long commutes and a high share of night-shift work are cited as major contributors.

A recent study has identified London as the most difficult city in the United Kingdom for achieving a full night’s rest. The research finds Londoners sleep on average 5 hours and 53 minutes per night, placing the capital ahead of other large UK cities including Birmingham, Belfast, Manchester, Liverpool and Bradford in terms of sleep deprivation.

Key findings for London

The study, carried out by Roomes, reports several factors contributing to poor sleep in London. Average nightly sleep is 5 hours and 53 minutes. Commute times average 44.7 minutes each way, and measured night-time noise levels reach 73.2 decibels. The report also notes that between 26% and 27% of the capital’s workforce are engaged in night-shift work, further disrupting sleep patterns.

Birmingham: the loudest at night

Birmingham is identified as the city with the highest night-time noise levels in the UK, at 74.5 decibels. Residents average 6 hours and 16 minutes of sleep per night. The city also faces overcrowding pressures—affecting around 8% of the population—and a high proportion of night-shift workers, described in the study as nearly a third of the workforce, all of which exacerbate sleep disruption.

Belfast’s sleep pressures: commutes and long hours

Belfast ranks third in the study. Average sleep is reported at 6 hours and 15 minutes. Long commutes—an average of 37.6 minutes each way—and a high share of night-shift workers, up to 27% of the workforce, are cited as primary reasons for limited rest. The report also notes many workers put in more than 37 hours per week, which further reduces available sleep time.

Manchester and Liverpool: irregular hours and noise

Manchester comes in fourth, with residents averaging 7 hours of sleep—below the NHS recommendation—and the highest proportion of night-shift workers at 32%. Night-time noise in Manchester averages 71.9 decibels and commutes run about 39 minutes. Liverpool is listed among the top five, with an average sleep time of 6 hours and 27 minutes, night-time noise around 70 decibels, commutes of roughly 28 minutes and between 25% and 29% of the workforce on night shifts.

  • London: 5h 53m average sleep; 44.7 min commute; 73.2 dB night noise; 26–27% night shifts
  • Birmingham: 6h 16m sleep; 74.5 dB night noise; ~8% overcrowding; ~1/3 night shifts
  • Belfast: 6h 15m sleep; 37.6 min commute; up to 27% night shifts; many >37 hours/week
  • Manchester: 7h sleep; 32% night shifts; 71.9 dB night noise; 39 min commute
  • Liverpool: 6h 27m sleep; 70 dB night noise; 28 min commute; 25–29% night shifts
London street at night with busy traffic and illuminated buildings, illustrating urban noise and activity
Urban noise, long commutes and shift work combine in cities like London to reduce average sleep times

Why urban life is reducing sleep

The research links lower sleep totals to a mix of environmental and occupational factors common to large cities: elevated night-time noise, lengthy commutes that cut into rest time, overcrowded housing with thinner sound insulation, and significant shares of the workforce on night or irregular shifts. Each of these elements interrupts sleep duration and quality in different ways.

Health context: sleep recommendations and risks

The NHS recommends adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. The study’s findings show that several major UK cities fall short of that guidance, raising concerns about the potential long-term effects on residents’ physical and mental health, workplace performance and overall wellbeing.

What this means for travellers and the industry

For visitors and people planning stays in major UK cities, the research highlights practical considerations: choose accommodation with good sound insulation, factor in longer commute times when scheduling activities, and be aware that local nightlife and shift work can increase night-time noise. For employers, city planners and the travel industry, the report underlines the importance of tackling noise, transport and housing challenges to improve resident and visitor wellbeing.

So what? The study shows that urban living in the UK often comes at the cost of sleep. Travellers should plan accordingly, and stakeholders in tourism, housing and transport should consider measures to reduce noise, shorten commutes and support workers on irregular hours to protect public health.