European Sleep Index Reveals London Performs Poorly Compared With Other Cities for Residents and Visitors Trying to Get Rest

A new report ranking the sleep quality of Europe’s major cities has delivered some unwelcome news for the UK capital.

The European Sleep Index 2026 analyzed 25 cities across the continent, looking at environmental and lifestyle factors that affect residents’ and visitors’ ability to get a good night’s rest.

According to the findings, London ranked 20th out of 25, scoring 36.12 out of a possible 70 in the penalty-based scoring system.

Factors like noise, air pollution, late-night commuting, and nightlife all contributed to disrupted sleep.

Hotels and short-term rental-heavy areas, especially in central districts, make falling asleep a challenge for anyone visiting the city.

What Makes Some Cities Worse Than Others

Interestingly, city size doesn’t automatically determine sleep quality.

Paris, for example, performed better than London despite similar tourist crowds, high population density, and transport pressures.

Meanwhile, Prague, Warsaw, and Barcelona emerged as the worst European cities for slumber.

• Prague suffered from high alcohol consumption, smoking rates, and persistent noise.

• Barcelona had the highest noise pollution score, driven by dense residential areas, booming nightlife, and large numbers of visitors.

These findings suggest that cultural habits and urban planning are just as important as population size when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.

Cities Where Sleep Comes Easy

On the brighter side, some European cities are managing nighttime conditions with remarkable success. Zurich, Amsterdam, and Stockholm topped the index as the best places to sleep:

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• Zurich benefits from low light pollution, moderate air quality, and quieter urban environments.

• Amsterdam and Stockholm implement strategic urban planning to reduce noise, using green spaces and traffic management to buffer sound.

Rodney Ryu, Managing Director of Coway Europe, which conducted the study, noted:

“Poor sleep is not an inevitable part of urban travel.

Cities that take noise reduction, air quality, and nighttime planning seriously create better conditions not just for residents, but for visitors as well.”

London’s Traffic Woes Compound Sleep Problems

Adding insult to injury, London also ranked as the world’s worst megacity for traffic, according to a TomTom report.

Average travel speeds in the city are just over 10 mph, with a typical six-mile trip taking 35 minutes and seven seconds.

Drivers in London are losing a staggering 136 hours a year stuck in traffic, creating additional stress that likely contributes to poor sleep.

Why This Matters for Travelers

For anyone planning a short-haul trip from the UK, the findings could influence where they decide to spend a few nights.

While London, Prague, Warsaw, and Barcelona may offer cultural attractions, travelers looking for a restful stay might prefer Zurich, Amsterdam, or Stockholm instead.

What’s Next

• Urban planners and local governments may use the data to implement better noise reduction strategies, improve air quality, and manage nightlife more effectively.

• Travelers might increasingly consider sleep-friendly cities as a priority when booking short-haul European trips.

• Researchers could expand the study in future years to cover more cities and additional lifestyle factors, including hotel quality, street lighting, and local events.

Summary

• The European Sleep Index 2026 ranked 25 cities for sleep quality, using noise, air quality, light pollution, alcohol, smoking, and average sleep duration.

• London ranked 20th, impacted by high noise, traffic, and late-night activity, while Prague, Warsaw, and Barcelona were the worst overall.

• Zurich, Amsterdam, and Stockholm emerged as the best cities for sleep thanks to quieter streets, strategic urban planning, and better air quality.

• London also suffers from severe traffic delays, compounding stress and contributing to poor sleep for residents and visitors.

• The findings could guide urban planning and influence travelers seeking restful stays in Europe.