European Sleep Index Reveals London Suffers From Poor Sleep Quality While Zurich Emerges as the Most Restful City in Europe

For many city dwellers and travellers, a good night’s sleep can feel impossible.

A new report ranking Europe’s best and worst cities for sleep has shed light on where restless nights are common and where visitors might actually catch some quality Z’s.

The European Sleep Index 2026 studied 25 cities across Europe, looking at factors that affect sleep beyond personal habits.

Researchers examined environmental and lifestyle influences such as noise, light pollution, air quality, smoking, alcohol consumption, and average sleep duration.

Each city was scored using a penalty-point system, where a lower score indicates better conditions for sleep.

London Struggles to Rest

London did not fare well in the ranking, landing 20th out of 25 cities with a score of 36.12 out of 70.

Residents and tourists face challenges from constant traffic, bustling nightlife, and pervasive noise that make peaceful sleep elusive.

Late-night commuting, background noise in busy areas, and dense hotel and short-term rental districts all contribute to sleep disruption in the capital.

Interestingly, the city’s size isn’t the decisive factor.

Paris, which faces similar population density, tourism, and transportation pressures, scored better due to more effective night-time noise management and urban planning.

Cities at the Bottom of the List

At the lower end of the index, Prague, Warsaw, and Barcelona emerged as the worst European cities for sleep.

Prague was affected by high levels of alcohol consumption, smoking, and persistent noise pollution.

Warsaw suffered from extensive late-night activity and heavy traffic, which made restful nights difficult.

Barcelona, meanwhile, recorded the highest noise pollution score among all 25 cities, a result of its thriving nightlife, dense population, and large numbers of visitors.

These findings highlight that nightlife, traffic, and urban culture play a critical role in shaping sleep quality.

European Cities Where Sleep Is Easier

Not all cities struggle to provide restful nights.

Zurich topped the index as the best European city for sleep, thanks to low light pollution, moderate air quality, and a quieter urban environment.

Amsterdam and Stockholm followed closely, benefiting from thoughtful urban planning that incorporates green spaces, traffic control, and noise reduction strategies.

These cities demonstrate that cities can prioritize night-time conditions to benefit both residents and visitors.

Rodney Ryu, Managing Director at Coway Europe, which conducted the study, said, “Travellers often assume poor sleep is just part of visiting a busy city, but the data shows that some destinations manage night-time conditions far better than others.

Noise exposure and air quality have a direct impact on how well people sleep, whether they live in a city or are staying for a few nights.”

London’s Traffic Woes Make Things Worse

Sleep issues in London are compounded by the city’s notorious traffic.

According to a TomTom report, London now ranks as the world’s slowest megacity for traffic, with average speeds just over 10 miles per hour.

A typical six-mile journey takes 35 minutes and seven seconds, meaning drivers lose roughly 136 hours a year stuck in rush-hour congestion.

Even compared with last year, average travel times have increased, adding to the daily stress of city life.

What’s Next?

For travellers seeking restful nights, the study offers a clear takeaway: choose cities that actively manage noise, air quality, and night-time planning.

Residents in cities struggling with sleep may hope for urban reforms, including better traffic flow, nightlife regulation, and noise reduction measures.

Cities that prioritize calm and environmental quality can improve both the well-being of residents and the experiences of visitors.

Summary

London ranks near the bottom in Europe for sleep due to traffic, nightlife, and environmental noise.

Prague, Warsaw, and Barcelona also face serious sleep challenges from urban culture and congestion.

Zurich, Amsterdam, and Stockholm offer better conditions through lower noise levels, better air quality, and smart urban planning.

The findings show that city life does not have to mean sleepless nights, and thoughtful management of night-time conditions can make a significant difference for everyone.