Nations where people sleep the most
Discover which countries have the most sleep hours and why factors like light pollution impact rest quality. Find out where people sleep best.
New Zealand leads the world in sleep, with residents averaging more than seven and a half hours of rest each night. The country’s low light pollution and sparse population density create conditions for consistent, high-quality sleep, according to data compiled by the World Economic Forum from the Sleep Cycle app.
The gap between the sleepiest and least-rested countries spans one hour and 25 minutes per night. Over a year, that difference amounts to nearly 20 days of lost rest.
Where the world sleeps best—and worst
After New Zealand, the next most-rested countries include Britain, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia, all averaging over seven and a half hours nightly. These nations share cultural and environmental factors that value rest, though none reach New Zealand’s level of consistency.
Thailand, Argentina, Taiwan, and Singapore fall in the middle of the rankings, reporting between six hours and 45 minutes and seven hours of sleep per night. Their data indicates a balance between work and rest, though not as effectively as higher-ranked countries.
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Japan ranks last, with adults averaging just over six hours and 15 minutes of sleep. Long working hours and commutes contribute to the country’s chronic sleep deficit. Saudi Arabia and South Korea follow, completing the list of the least-rested nations.
The effects of poor sleep extend beyond personal health. A Rand Corporation study found the U.S. loses about 1.2 million working days annually due to insufficient rest. Even countries with better averages, like the U.K. and Germany, still lose around 200,000 working days each year.
Japan’s sleep crisis has become so severe it entered the national vocabulary. The term karōshi refers to death from overwork, often tied to extreme fatigue. While uncommon, such cases reveal the consequences of a culture that prioritizes productivity over well-being.
Sleep requirements change with age. The CDC advises adults aged 18 to 60 to get at least seven hours per night, while those 61 to 64 should aim for seven to nine. Newborns need 14 to 17 hours daily. The contrast between these recommendations and real-world averages shows how many countries fail to meet basic needs.
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New Zealand’s success suggests sleep depends on more than personal habits. Environment, policy, and culture all play a role. Countries that reduce light pollution, enforce reasonable work hours, and encourage downtime tend to see better outcomes. Other nations must decide whether to adopt similar approaches or continue treating rest as optional.
How much sleep is enough?
No single answer fits everyone. While seven to nine hours serves as a general target for most adults, individual needs vary by age, health, and lifestyle. The CDC’s guidelines offer a starting point, but daytime function remains the best indicator.
For those struggling to meet sleep goals, small changes can help. Cutting screen time before bed, maintaining a consistent schedule, and adjusting bedroom conditions—such as temperature and darkness—can improve rest. Even minor adjustments make a difference over time.
The data leaves little doubt: sleep is essential. It forms the basis of health, productivity, and quality of life. In a world where rest is often sacrificed for work or entertainment, nations that prioritize it gain clear advantages.
