Nature gave us sleep as the ultimate reset button, but how much people actually get varies widely by country. While sleep experts recommend approximately eight hours of sleep per night, reality is often shaped by cultural habits, long work hours, or even extreme daylight cycles.
So, who's really getting enough rest? Which countries prioritize sleep, and which ones are running on empty?
Using Time Use data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), we ranked 33 nations to see who sleeps the most.
These numbers reflect the most recent available survey year for each country, offering a snapshot of global sleep patterns over the past two decades. We begin with the most sleep-deprived countries and work our way up to the one that gets the most shut-eye.
#1 #33 Japan
Average Sleep: 7 hours 42 minutes
Japan ranks last on the OECD list for sleep duration, with only 7 hours and 42 minutes of sleep per day. This figure is often associated with Japan's intense work culture, in which long hours are the norm and leaving before your boss is frowned upon.
Chronic sleeplessness is a well-documented issue in Japan. In extreme cases, it can lead to karoshi, death from overwork. Singapore and Japan regularly rank among the top countries in global rankings of poor sleep. In a study by Philips, both countries averaged only 6 hours of sleep per night over the week.
According to The New York Times, the cultural concept of "inemuri," or sleeping while present, makes public naps socially acceptable. It signals dedication and exhaustion from working hard.
Japan ranks last on the OECD list for sleep duration, with only 7 hours and 42 minutes of sleep per day. This figure is often associated with Japan's intense work culture, in which long hours are the norm and leaving before your boss is frowned upon.
Chronic sleeplessness is a well-documented issue in Japan. In extreme cases, it can lead to karoshi, death from overwork. Singapore and Japan regularly rank among the top countries in global rankings of poor sleep. In a study by Philips, both countries averaged only 6 hours of sleep per night over the week.
According to The New York Times, the cultural concept of "inemuri," or sleeping while present, makes public naps socially acceptable. It signals dedication and exhaustion from working hard.
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#2 #32 Korea
Average Sleep: 7 hours 51 minutes
Just nine minutes ahead of Japan, South Korea also struggles with short sleep due to its high-pressure culture. Whether it's academics, sports, or careers, Koreans push hard, often sacrificing rest for performance.
The BBC explored the country's "ppalli-ppalli" ("hurry-hurry") mindset, which permeates everything from internet speed to daily service. This nonstop pace blurs day and night, making uninterrupted rest more difficult to obtain.
Sleep deprivation is also linked to serious mental health concerns. South Korea currently has the highest suicide rate in the OECD, reaching 14,872 deaths (via Asia News).
Just nine minutes ahead of Japan, South Korea also struggles with short sleep due to its high-pressure culture. Whether it's academics, sports, or careers, Koreans push hard, often sacrificing rest for performance.
The BBC explored the country's "ppalli-ppalli" ("hurry-hurry") mindset, which permeates everything from internet speed to daily service. This nonstop pace blurs day and night, making uninterrupted rest more difficult to obtain.
Sleep deprivation is also linked to serious mental health concerns. South Korea currently has the highest suicide rate in the OECD, reaching 14,872 deaths (via Asia News).
#3 #31 Sweden
Average Sleep: 8 hours 3 minutes
Sweden is often praised for its strong work-life balance, yet high living standards don't always mean more sleep. One likely factor is geography. The country’s dramatic seasonal changes in daylight can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect sleep.
Forbes notes another cultural trait: Swedes love their coffee. Their tradition of "fika," a social coffee-and-pastry break, keeps people energized but may nibble into sleep time.
Sweden is often praised for its strong work-life balance, yet high living standards don't always mean more sleep. One likely factor is geography. The country’s dramatic seasonal changes in daylight can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect sleep.
Forbes notes another cultural trait: Swedes love their coffee. Their tradition of "fika," a social coffee-and-pastry break, keeps people energized but may nibble into sleep time.
#4 #30 Denmark
Average Sleep: 8 hours 9 minutes
Often ranked among the happiest countries, Denmark clocks just over eight hours of sleep a night. One cultural factor may be "hygge," the Danish tradition of creating cozy, contented moments, often through long, candlelit evenings with loved ones.
As the BBC explains, Danes willingly trade a bit of sleep for quality time. These restful, social nights are emotionally fulfilling, but they often run late into the evening.
While this balance of bonding and rest works well for many, modern routines may look different from those captured in older OECD surveys.
Often ranked among the happiest countries, Denmark clocks just over eight hours of sleep a night. One cultural factor may be "hygge," the Danish tradition of creating cozy, contented moments, often through long, candlelit evenings with loved ones.
As the BBC explains, Danes willingly trade a bit of sleep for quality time. These restful, social nights are emotionally fulfilling, but they often run late into the evening.
While this balance of bonding and rest works well for many, modern routines may look different from those captured in older OECD surveys.
#5 #29 Ireland
Average Sleep: 8 hours 11 minutes
Ireland shows a moderate average for sleep, reflecting a culture that values social time. With a strong emphasis on pubs and community gatherings, nights out can run late, especially on weekends.
However, in the past two decades, Ireland's growing tech and pharmaceutical sectors may have been reshaping daily routines, possibly affecting overall sleep habits.
Ireland shows a moderate average for sleep, reflecting a culture that values social time. With a strong emphasis on pubs and community gatherings, nights out can run late, especially on weekends.
However, in the past two decades, Ireland's growing tech and pharmaceutical sectors may have been reshaping daily routines, possibly affecting overall sleep habits.
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#6 #28 Norway
Average Sleep: 8 hours 12 minutes
Like neighboring Sweden, Norway experiences extreme seasonal light shifts, from the midnight sun to polar night, which can disrupt circadian rhythms. To counter this, Norwegians embrace "friluftsliv," or open-air living, a cultural habit of spending time outdoors in natural light.
This active lifestyle promotes better sleep by inducing physical fatigue. However, the country’s early-morning culture of hiking and running means that many Norwegians must maintain strict bedtimes to get enough rest.
Like neighboring Sweden, Norway experiences extreme seasonal light shifts, from the midnight sun to polar night, which can disrupt circadian rhythms. To counter this, Norwegians embrace "friluftsliv," or open-air living, a cultural habit of spending time outdoors in natural light.
This active lifestyle promotes better sleep by inducing physical fatigue. However, the country’s early-morning culture of hiking and running means that many Norwegians must maintain strict bedtimes to get enough rest.
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#7 #27 Germany
Average Sleep: 8 hours 18 minutes
Germany is known for its efficiency, and that mindset seems to carry over into sleep. While Germans don't log the most hours of rest, their strictly regulated work schedules help prevent burnout. According to DW, clear boundaries between work and home life allow for meaningful downtime.
That said, early work start times and a cultural emphasis on punctuality leave little room to sleep in. This structure helps ensure that most people get a reliable eight-hour rest, even if it’s not particularly indulgent.
Germany is known for its efficiency, and that mindset seems to carry over into sleep. While Germans don't log the most hours of rest, their strictly regulated work schedules help prevent burnout. According to DW, clear boundaries between work and home life allow for meaningful downtime.
That said, early work start times and a cultural emphasis on punctuality leave little room to sleep in. This structure helps ensure that most people get a reliable eight-hour rest, even if it’s not particularly indulgent.
#8 #26 Mexico
Average Sleep: 8 hours 19 minutes
Mexico's average sleep is shaped by one of the longest workweeks in the OECD. Long job hours and daily commutes leave limited time for rest at night.
Despite the stereotype of midday siestas, The Washington Post reports that modern industrial and service jobs demand more time on the clock. As a result, most working-age Mexicans tend to prioritize productivity over extended rest.
Mexico's average sleep is shaped by one of the longest workweeks in the OECD. Long job hours and daily commutes leave limited time for rest at night.
Despite the stereotype of midday siestas, The Washington Post reports that modern industrial and service jobs demand more time on the clock. As a result, most working-age Mexicans tend to prioritize productivity over extended rest.
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#9 #25 Greece
Average Sleep: 8 hours 20 minutes
In Greece, the tradition of "mesimeri," an afternoon break to escape the heat, has historically shaped daily routines. This pause often leads to late dinners and even later bedtimes (via Noema).
Though fewer people observe the afternoon rest today, the warm climate still encourages late-night socializing. This can reduce sleep hours, but many choose connection over early bedtimes.
In Greece, the tradition of "mesimeri," an afternoon break to escape the heat, has historically shaped daily routines. This pause often leads to late dinners and even later bedtimes (via Noema).
Though fewer people observe the afternoon rest today, the warm climate still encourages late-night socializing. This can reduce sleep hours, but many choose connection over early bedtimes.
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#10 #24 Slovenia
Average Sleep: 8 hours 21 minutes
Slovenia ranks just above Greece, and much of its strong average sleep duration may stem from a deep connection to nature. With hiking and outdoor recreation popular across the country, many residents benefit from physical activity that naturally supports restful sleep (per The Guardian).
That said, this data is now decades old, so current habits may look quite different today.
Slovenia ranks just above Greece, and much of its strong average sleep duration may stem from a deep connection to nature. With hiking and outdoor recreation popular across the country, many residents benefit from physical activity that naturally supports restful sleep (per The Guardian).
That said, this data is now decades old, so current habits may look quite different today.
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#11 #23 Netherlands
Average Sleep: 8 hours 23 minutes
In the Netherlands, a strong work-life balance plays a major role in boosting sleep. Nearly 40% of working adults have part-time jobs, which gives many Dutch people greater control over their daily routines (per OECD).
This flexibility reduces stress and encourages more consistent rest. CNN also notes that Dutch parents tend to enforce early bedtimes for children, building healthy sleep habits early on.
In the Netherlands, a strong work-life balance plays a major role in boosting sleep. Nearly 40% of working adults have part-time jobs, which gives many Dutch people greater control over their daily routines (per OECD).
This flexibility reduces stress and encourages more consistent rest. CNN also notes that Dutch parents tend to enforce early bedtimes for children, building healthy sleep habits early on.
#12 #22 Lithuania
Average Sleep: 8 hours 23 minutes
Lithuania matches the Netherlands in average sleep duration, although the data are from the early 2000s. As a Baltic country, it experiences pronounced seasonal shifts in daylight, much like Scandinavia (via nomadseason).
Family life is highly important, and the home is often regarded as a restful space. While today's economic demands may have shifted routines, this cultural foundation likely supported healthy sleep habits for many years.
Lithuania matches the Netherlands in average sleep duration, although the data are from the early 2000s. As a Baltic country, it experiences pronounced seasonal shifts in daylight, much like Scandinavia (via nomadseason).
Family life is highly important, and the home is often regarded as a restful space. While today's economic demands may have shifted routines, this cultural foundation likely supported healthy sleep habits for many years.
#13 #21 Portugal
Average Sleep: 8 hours 26 minutes
Portugal’s numbers come from one of the older datasets, but they still reveal a culture that values taking it slow. Like Spain, Portugal is known for late dinners and a generally relaxed pace of life (per Viaggio Magazine).
Outside of major cities, things tend to move unhurriedly. The mild Atlantic climate only reinforces this easygoing approach, creating ideal conditions for getting enough sleep.
Portugal’s numbers come from one of the older datasets, but they still reveal a culture that values taking it slow. Like Spain, Portugal is known for late dinners and a generally relaxed pace of life (per Viaggio Magazine).
Outside of major cities, things tend to move unhurriedly. The mild Atlantic climate only reinforces this easygoing approach, creating ideal conditions for getting enough sleep.
#14 #20 Hungary
Average Sleep: 8 hours 26 minutes
Hungary lands in the middle of the sleep rankings, with data showing a strong preference for balance. The OECD suggests that Hungarians avoid both intense work schedules and excessive downtime.
Early wake-up times are common, says Daily News Hungary, and likely go hand in hand with earlier bedtimes. Another local tradition that helps with rest: the country’s many thermal baths.
As National Geographic notes, these mineral-rich soaks are both relaxing and culturally ingrained.
Hungary lands in the middle of the sleep rankings, with data showing a strong preference for balance. The OECD suggests that Hungarians avoid both intense work schedules and excessive downtime.
Early wake-up times are common, says Daily News Hungary, and likely go hand in hand with earlier bedtimes. Another local tradition that helps with rest: the country’s many thermal baths.
As National Geographic notes, these mineral-rich soaks are both relaxing and culturally ingrained.
#15 #19 United Kingdom
Average Sleep: 8 hours 28 minutes
The UK is near the global average for sleep duration, likely due to the contrast between its bustling cities and slower-paced countryside. It often ranks near countries such as Germany and Belgium in global sleep studies, reflecting shared characteristics of developed economies (according to the World Economic Forum).
While Britain’s love of tea might suggest a caffeine problem, the BBC describes it more as a soothing ritual than a stimulant. The UK's famously gray weather may also help boost sleep by nudging people indoors earlier in the evening.
The UK is near the global average for sleep duration, likely due to the contrast between its bustling cities and slower-paced countryside. It often ranks near countries such as Germany and Belgium in global sleep studies, reflecting shared characteristics of developed economies (according to the World Economic Forum).
While Britain’s love of tea might suggest a caffeine problem, the BBC describes it more as a soothing ritual than a stimulant. The UK's famously gray weather may also help boost sleep by nudging people indoors earlier in the evening.
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#16 #18 Finland
Average Sleep: 8 hours 28 minutes
Finland matches the UK in average sleep, and that’s no surprise considering it ranks as the happiest country in the world (per the World Population Review). Schools in Finland often start later, reflecting a cultural appreciation for rest.
Another pillar of Finnish relaxation: the sauna. As the BBC notes, the heat-then-cool ritual helps relax muscles and promotes better sleep. This practice likely helps many Finns avoid the widespread sleep issues seen elsewhere.
Finland matches the UK in average sleep, and that’s no surprise considering it ranks as the happiest country in the world (per the World Population Review). Schools in Finland often start later, reflecting a cultural appreciation for rest.
Another pillar of Finnish relaxation: the sauna. As the BBC notes, the heat-then-cool ritual helps relax muscles and promotes better sleep. This practice likely helps many Finns avoid the widespread sleep issues seen elsewhere.
#17 #17 Poland
Average Sleep: 8 hours 28 minutes
Poland outperforms much of Western Europe in sleep duration, and cultural habits may be the reason. Polish families often end the day with shared meals at home rather than late nights at the office, creating a stable setting for rest (Cultural Atlas).
Long, dark winters are also a factor, naturally encouraging more time in bed and longer sleep durations.
Poland outperforms much of Western Europe in sleep duration, and cultural habits may be the reason. Polish families often end the day with shared meals at home rather than late nights at the office, creating a stable setting for rest (Cultural Atlas).
Long, dark winters are also a factor, naturally encouraging more time in bed and longer sleep durations.
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#18 #16 Latvia
Average Sleep: 8 hours 32 minutes
Latvia may have older data, but it still ranks among the top sleepers. A strong tradition of seasonal festivals and folk songs (per Britannica) reflects a deep cultural respect for nature's rhythms.
That respect seems to carry into bedtime routines, where the night is treated as a sacred time for rest. This attitude likely contributes to their above-average sleep duration.
Latvia may have older data, but it still ranks among the top sleepers. A strong tradition of seasonal festivals and folk songs (per Britannica) reflects a deep cultural respect for nature's rhythms.
That respect seems to carry into bedtime routines, where the night is treated as a sacred time for rest. This attitude likely contributes to their above-average sleep duration.
#19 #15 Australia
Average Sleep: 8 hours 32 minutes
Australia matches Latvia in average sleep duration, and its outdoor lifestyle likely plays a significant role. The “early to bed, early to rise” routine is common, particularly among morning routines that include surfing, swimming, or jogging at sunrise.
This exposure to early sunlight helps regulate melatonin and promotes healthier sleep cycles. Combined with regular physical activity, it promotes more restful nights.
Australia matches Latvia in average sleep duration, and its outdoor lifestyle likely plays a significant role. The “early to bed, early to rise” routine is common, particularly among morning routines that include surfing, swimming, or jogging at sunrise.
This exposure to early sunlight helps regulate melatonin and promotes healthier sleep cycles. Combined with regular physical activity, it promotes more restful nights.
#20 #14 Belgium
Average Sleep: 8 hours 33 minutes
Belgium ranks high for sleep, and a big reason may be its love of comfort and good food. Belgians are known for enjoying hearty dinners followed by slow, relaxing evenings (via Expatica).
This unhurried rhythm facilitates the transition to sleep, making it easier for people to get the rest they need.
Belgium ranks high for sleep, and a big reason may be its love of comfort and good food. Belgians are known for enjoying hearty dinners followed by slow, relaxing evenings (via Expatica).
This unhurried rhythm facilitates the transition to sleep, making it easier for people to get the rest they need.