Two cities in Scotland named among UK's most ‘sleep-deprived' regions
Two Scottish cities have been named two of the UK's most sleep-deprived cities, according to a new report by sleep specialists at MattressNextDay. The study found both cities ranked in the top five for poor sleep, with Glasgow scoring 82.52 out of 100 and Edinburgh close behind at 82.22.
The report comes amid a sharp rise in sleep-related health issues, with cases of sleep apnoea having surged by 214 percent over the past decade. Meanwhile, one in three people across the UK are now thought to suffer from insomnia.
To determine the most sleepless regions in the country, researchers created a sleep deprivation index, analysing a range of environmental, behavioural and health factors across 332 local authorities.
This included NHS data on sleep disorder hospital admissions, the density of nightlife venues, levels of light pollution and household spending on caffeine.
In Scotland, both Glasgow and Edinburgh share some of the same sleep-disrupting traits. Glasgow is home to 21 nightlife venues per 100,000 people, while Edinburgh has 27, contributing to higher noise levels and more artificial light exposure during the night.
In 2022, both cities also recorded their highest-ever levels of night-time light pollution: 124.49 nW·cm⁻²·sr⁻¹ in Glasgow and 111.88 in Edinburgh.
The caffeine culture is another major contributor. Households in Glasgow and Edinburgh combined spent over £59 million on caffeinated products, which can delay the onset of sleep and reduce overall sleep quality.
Sleep-related hospital admissions were also concerning, with Glasgow recording 256 patients annually and Edinburgh 215.
Martin Seeley, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay, said: 'A high concentration of nightlife venues and artificial light can significantly impact the sleep of residents. Too much light and noise at night can harm our sleep and exacerbate pre-existing sleep conditions, such as insomnia and sleep apnoea.
'In fact, research has shown residents living close to lively 'night-time economy' streets report significantly more awakenings, poorer self-rated sleep and knock-on health complaints than those in quieter areas.
"Not only this, but light pollution is known to disrupt the circadian rhythm by reducing the secretion of melatonin, otherwise known as the 'sleep hormone'.'
Outside of Scotland, Nottingham was revealed as the UK's most sleep-deprived city with a score of 90.97.
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The city recorded the highest number of nightlife venues at 28 per 100,000 people, as well as some of the most intense light pollution. Around 129 residents are hospitalised annually due to sleep-related conditions.
Two regions in Yorkshire also made the top 10. East Riding of Yorkshire had a relatively low number of nightlife venues but reported a light pollution level of 232.73, one of the highest in the study.
North Yorkshire also ranked high due to its caffeine spend of £31.69 million and 253 annual hospital admissions, second only to Leeds in England. In the South West, Bristol and Somerset were among the worst-affected areas.
Bristol had 25 nightlife venues per 100,000 residents, while Somerset recorded the brightest single night in the UK study at 394.68 nW·cm⁻²·sr⁻¹, nearly four times brighter than London's most illuminated night.
Rank
Local Authority
Nightlife venues *
Household spend on caffeine **
Light
pollution ***
NHS sleep disorder hospital episodes ****
Sleep deprivation score (/100)
1
Nottingham
28
16.17
78
129
90.97
2
Newcastle upon Tyne
23
15.52
307.38
124
87.13
3
Glasgow
21
32.13
124.49
256
82.52
4
Edinburgh
27
26.89
111.88
215
82.22
5
Wigan
10
16.61
38.12
133
72.85
6
East Riding of Yorkshire
5
17.74
232.73
142
71.90
7
Bristol
25
24.11
103.08
192
71.75
8
North Yorkshire
11
31.69
59.64
253
70.15
9
Somerset
7
29.04
394.68
232
69.85
10
York
16
10.59
56.01
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