Published on
February 18, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Image generated with Ai
In an astonishing turn of events, New Zealand has surpassed Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, and other global nations, claiming the top spot in the global battle of late nights. But what does this mean for your health? New Zealand’s remarkable rise has left the world stunned, proving that late nights are no longer the sole domain of cities like London or Amsterdam. The trend of staying up late has officially shifted, and now, New Zealand is winning the race—far ahead of its rivals.
However, there’s a catch. With this late-night lifestyle comes a significant cost to our health. While other nations like the UK and Australia have always been notorious for late bedtimes, New Zealand’s sudden dominance in this category raises serious concerns. Travel And Tour World urges readers to ask: Is this truly a victory for well-being? Or is it simply another indication of how global sleep habits are spiraling out of control?
As we dive deeper into this global shift, we will explore the consequences of late nights—not just for New Zealand, but for the entire world. So, buckle up, as we reveal the shocking truth behind this late-night phenomenon and what it means for your future.
The Shocking Sleep Habits of the UK: A Wake-Up Call for Americans
It’s official: the UK has earned the title of world’s latest bedtime. According to recent findings from Hillarys, UK residents are averaging an unsettling 7 hours 22 minutes in bed each night, with an average bedtime of 00:28. This places the UK in the fourth spot on the list of sleepiest countries, right behind New Zealand, Netherlands, and Finland.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But why does this matter? Late bedtimes aren’t just an inconvenience—they severely impact your mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. According to Tom Coleman, a renowned sleep expert, “In countries like the UK, going to bed just after midnight impacts the early deep non-REM stages of sleep, which are essential for physical restoration and memory consolidation.” If you’re in the US, this may sound all too familiar. In fact, many Americans are experiencing similar issues, leading to increased stress, health problems, and, ultimately, a decrease in productivity—especially in the US tourism sector.
New Zealand: Leading the World in Sleep with Unmatched Bedtimes
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the situation couldn’t be more different. Kiwis are the sleep champions, spending an impressive 7 hours 27 minutes in bed each night, thanks to an average bedtime of 23:29. While other nations may be burning the midnight oil, New Zealanders enjoy a healthy, balanced sleep schedule, waking up at 07:11 AM.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But there’s more to it than just a good night’s rest. The secret to New Zealand’s sleep success lies in their alignment with natural circadian rhythms, which play a pivotal role in getting restorative sleep. This synchronization leads to increased alertness, better focus, and a healthier lifestyle—something that both the US tourism and Americas tourism markets could learn a lot from. If Americans and tourists alike embraced better sleep habits, the impact could be transformative for the global economy and US travel.
The Netherlands and Finland: Europe’s Sleep Champions
The Netherlands and Finland are also at the forefront of the sleep revolution. The Dutch enjoy 7 hours 24 minutes of sleep, with a bedtime of 00:07, which balances nicely with their 07:47 AM wake-up time. Finland, with an average bedtime of 00:03, follows closely behind, achieving 7 hours 23 minutes of sleep per night.
While New Zealanders and Europeans are leading the charge, countries like the UK, France, and even Ireland are struggling with late bedtimes. This represents a significant public health challenge, one that could potentially harm tourism revenue and travel habits. Imagine the toll on the US tourism sector if sleep deprivation continues to worsen, affecting tourist arrivals, tourist satisfaction, and even staff productivity in major tourist hubs across the Americas.
The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation in the Modern World
As the world grapples with a growing sleep deficit, experts are urging immediate action. Not getting enough sleep can lead to serious consequences. Research shows that sleep deprivation is linked to increased risk of conditions like heart disease, obesity, mental health disorders, and even reduced life expectancy. For countries in the Americas, including the US, this should be a wake-up call. As the US tourism industry continues to thrive, the question must be asked: How much longer can this sector function at full capacity with sleep-deprived workers?
The US tourism sector needs to prioritize sleep hygiene—not just for the population at large, but for those in the travel industry who are responsible for welcoming visitors from all over the world. If sleep quality isn’t improved, there could be disastrous consequences for the US tourism market, with tourists likely to seek other, healthier destinations that prioritize rest and relaxation.
The Global Impact of Sleep: What’s at Stake for the US
As the sleep survey clearly shows, countries like New Zealand and Finland are doing it right, aligning their daily routines with natural rhythms that support restorative sleep. On the other hand, countries like the UK and US need to rethink their relationship with sleep. For the US tourism sector, this could mean a shift toward destinations and tourist services that prioritize well-being and restful experiences. Countries like New Zealand have already built a tourism model based around wellness and rest. Could the US learn from them? Could America’s top destinations offer more wellness-based and sleep-friendly services?
The future of global tourism depends on our ability to address the sleep crisis. If countries fail to prioritize healthy sleep, they risk losing their competitive edge in the global travel industry. Could the US tourism sector rise to the occasion and lead the charge toward better sleep habits, or will it fall behind the global trend?
A Call to Action for Better Sleep Globally and in the US
It’s clear that sleep, or the lack thereof, is no longer just an individual issue—it’s a global public health crisis. As nations like New Zealand and Finland lead the way with healthy sleep habits, the UK, US, and other nations must act fast. Sleep is the foundation of health, well-being, and productivity. Without it, the US tourism sector, along with other major industries, will face a host of challenges. It’s time to wake up, prioritize sleep, and start making restful sleep a key part of our daily routines, globally.
