Londoners Drink More Coffee But Sleep Better Than New Yorkers

New Study reveals how work, nightlife, tech, and coffee shape sleep patterns on both sides of the Pond

Londoners drink more coffee than New Yorkers yet still manage to squeeze in more sleep each night, proving the ‘City That Never Sleeps’ reputation holds true – with a surprising edge on shut-eye.  

In an independent study commissioned by sleep-tech company Simba, a survey of 2,000 adults across both cities examined everything from work schedules and nightlife to tech habits and caffeine intake. The findings?

New Yorkers may be renowned for their fast-paced lifestyle, but it comes at the cost of sleep, with residents averaging just 6 hours and 36 minutes per night.

Londoners, however, are clocking more quality slumber at 6 hours and 48 minutes nightly—amounting to three extra days of sleep each year – in comparison to their New York counterparts.

However, despite enjoying better and longer sleep, Londoners are still reaching for coffee more often, consuming 109.5 more cups annually per person than New Yorkers. Even with all those brews, the Big Smoke seems to be winning the ‘rest race.’

As urban sleep deprivation continues to be a growing health concern, these insights spotlight a cultural divide between two iconic metropolises – and reveal how lifestyle choices may just be fuelling a sleep deprivation pandemic.

Healthy adults need to sleep seven – nine hours a night on a regular basis for optimal health, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and British National Health Service (NHS).

With city dwellers on both sides of the Atlantic consistently falling short of the essential seven – nine hour sleep goal overall, this new report highlights a looming sleep deprivation crisis in major urban areas. Simba warns this chronic lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues, affecting everything from mental well-being to physical performance. 

Big Smoke vs. Big AppleThe report commissioned by sleep tech firm Simba – who has analysed body profile data from 10 million sleepers to engineer cutting edge sleep solutions tailored to every sleep style and body type – uncovers shared anxieties and differences in what residents are losing sleep over.

The cost of living is the biggest source of stress for both –  with 31% of Londoners and 30% of New Yorkers indicating this as their biggest worry keeping them awake.

Health is the second major source of shared nighttime anxiety, with 19% of Londoners and 21% of New Yorkers reporting it as a significant factor affecting their sleep.

When it comes to neighbourhood noise, New Yorkers struggle more, with 19% citing it as a major sleep disruptor compared to just 13% of Londoners.

On the flip side, job stress is a more acute concern for Londoners, with 18% saying it’s a source of sleeplessness, compared to just 14% of New Yorkers.

Family life and children are also keeping more London parents awake in contrast to their counterparts across the pond. (16% London Vs 13% New York)

With the US presidential election looming on November 5, 2024, the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump appears to be keeping many New Yorkers awake at night – political instability is a concern for 12% of New Yorkers, compared to 9% of Londoners.

Conversely, healthcare access is weighing much more heavily on the minds of Londoners right now. The UK health secretary, Wes Streeting recently told Sky News that NHS waiting lists need to be “millions lower” by the next general election in 2029.

Only 3% of New Yorkers reported being kept awake by difficulty getting a GP appointment, compared to 8% of Londoners.

Cities rely heavily on night workers, from healthcare professionals and emergency responders to hospitality and delivery staff, but night shift work comes with great personal sacrifice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as ‘probably carcinogenic’.

According to the findings, nearly double the respondents in New York reported working primarily at night, (7% in New York Vs 4% in London).  Night workers often require more support compared to their daytime counterparts. Research from The Liminal Space indicates that night workers are 37 percent more likely to have a heart attack, and 44 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those who work during the day.

“While Londoners and New Yorkers both grapple with financial pressures and health concerns that impact their sleep, there are distinct differences at play. Noise levels, job-related stress, and political worries reflect the unique challenges of urban living in each city,” says Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity
“The higher percentage of night workers could also be contributing to New York’s elevated sleep challenges. Getting a good night’s sleep is key for our physical and emotional health. Research has shown that a lack of sleep can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, obesity and stroke as well as increase our anxiety and stress levels. While both cities have vibrant social scenes and demanding jobs, it seems Londoners are carving out a bit more time for rest – or maybe just hitting the snooze button a little more often!”

Post-pandemic lifestyle choices and routines may also offer some clues as to why the Big Smoke is getting slightly more shut-eye compared to the Big Apple.

Almost a third (32%) of Londoners report going out less than before Covid, compared to just 27% of New Yorkers. With fewer late nights, Londoners are likely getting to bed earlier, setting the stage for better sleep.

On the flip side, New Yorkers outpace Londoners when it comes to prioritising self-care (31% New York Vs 27% London).

Nevertheless, Londoners are thriving more when it comes to work-life balance. Over a quarter (26%) of Londoners say it’s a bigger priority now, compared to only 19% of New Yorkers.

Similarly,  21% of Londoners say they are prioritising sleep more these days, while only 18% of New Yorkers do the same.

A closer look at both cities revealed that those in North East London (Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest) get the most sleep in London with a third (33%) registering an average ofeight hours of sleep or above each night.

But just a few boroughs away in North London (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington and Westminster) Londoners are getting the least sleep in the capital with over two in five (43%) registering six hours of sleep or less on average each night.

Across the pond, Manhattan gets the most sleep in New York with nearly a third (30%) banking an average of eight hours sleep or above each night, while in Staten Island they’re strapped for shut-eye with over half (58%) registering six hours of sleep or less each night – making them the worst sleepers in the city.

Steve Reid, CEO and Co-Founder of sleep technology brand Simba, who commissioned the study, said: “We’re dedicated to creating the perfect night’s sleep for everyone, every night. Rest levels in both cities are dangerously low. Sleep is essential for overall health, impacting everything from mental wellbeing to physical resilience, and is crucial for coping with the stresses of city life.”

Sustainability is also at the heart of Simba’s mission. As a B Corp™ accredited company, Simba operates zero-waste factories and incorporates recyclable materials in their products, making them an eco-conscious choice for customers who value both luxury and environmental responsibility. By prioritising both innovation and sustainability, Simba has cemented itself as a leader in the sleep industry, becoming the world’s most five-star rated mattress brand, with over 90 awards and more than 325,000 five-star reviews from satisfied customers.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash