Sleep is one of those things we barely notice—until it slips away. A recent nationwide study found that some U.S. cities make it much harder to get a good night’s rest, with Newark landing at the very top as the toughest place in America to sleep.
The research team looked at 97 major cities and built a sleep index that factored in noise pollution, light pollution, and anxiety levels. Jersey City didn’t fare much better, snagging sixth place on the list of worst cities for sleep. The results really drive home how much the environment around us can mess with our health.
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Newark Tops the List of Sleep-Deprived Cities
Newark’s sleep score? Just 16—the lowest of any city in the study. The city’s nonstop transportation scene plays a big part here.
With one of the busiest airports in the country, endless air traffic, heavy highway congestion, and constant freight activity, Newark never really quiets down. Residents live with the city’s hum and glare long after dark.
Urban Life and Sleep Challenges
City sleep issues go way beyond noisy neighbors. Light pollution from streetlights, billboards, and bright buildings keeps the sky glowing well into the night.
Pair that with the constant motion of a transit-heavy city, and it’s no wonder people have trouble winding down. The body just doesn’t get a chance to slip into deep rest.
Jersey City’s Ranking: Sixth Worst for Sleep
Jersey City, a lively and fast-growing spot, came in sixth with a score of 37.4. Like Newark, it sits close to major highways and the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal, plus it’s near busy airports.
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All that activity keeps noise levels up. The city’s rapid growth means even more late-night events and commercial buzz, which might be great for nightlife but not so great for sleep.
Other Sleep-Deprived Cities in the U.S.
Newark and Jersey City share this unwanted spotlight with other cities, including:
- Washington, D.C.
- Denver, Colorado
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Long Beach, California
It’s kind of wild that New York City—famous for never sleeping—didn’t crack the top 10. Still, with a score of 42.6, NYC isn’t exactly a haven for rest. Some smaller cities seem to offer even less peace at night.
The Best Places for Sleep
On the flip side, places like Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, plus Chesapeake, Virginia, scored highest for giving people a shot at quality rest. Quieter neighborhoods, less traffic, and dimmer skies really seem to help.
The environment can tip the scales a lot more than we might expect.
Expert Insight on Creating a Good Sleep Environment
Sleep specialists say good rest starts with three things: controlling noise, light, and temperature. They suggest blackout curtains, white noise machines, and keeping the room cool.
But let’s be real—if you live in a dense city where noise and light never let up, these steps might only get you so far.
What This Means for Jersey City Residents and Visitors
If you’re local, this ranking is a wake-up call to double down on sleep hygiene. Visitors should probably do a little research on where to stay in Jersey City if they want a quiet night—look for places in calmer neighborhoods or with extra soundproofing.
There are plenty of Jersey City hotels that try to help travelers get some shut-eye, even with the city’s constant buzz. Sometimes you just have to hunt for the right spot.
Making the Most of a 24-Hour City
We can’t quiet the planes or dim the skyline, but there’s plenty to embrace here. Residents and visitors have a long list of things to do in Jersey City during the day.
When evening rolls around, calming habits help you wind down. If you’re thinking about getting to Jersey City, get ready for an energetic vibe—one packed with entertainment, culture, and food.
It’s exciting, but you’ll want to be mindful about rest, too. The city never really sleeps, and sometimes you’ll feel that.
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Here is the source article for this story: The absolute ‘worst city in America’ to get good sleep is minutes…
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