There are usually two types of travelers: those who want to explore as much as possible and those who desire rest and relaxation above anything else. (Yes, you can fall in between, yearning for both exciting excursions and calming downtime, but for the purpose of this story, we’ll focus on the latter). Luckily, there are getaways that cater specifically to those craving R&R, and according to a new study reported by Carl Friedrik, 94 percent of Americans are in that camp.
New data recently revealed that U.S. travelers have been seeking tranquil escapes to combat burnout, screen fatigue, and prioritize sleep. Experts have named this travel trend “sleep tourism,” and it’s become one of 2025’s fastest-growing vacation styles, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. Intrigued by these findings, sleep experts at UK-based mattress retailer MattressNextDay analyzed which U.S. cities are the best to catch up on shuteye based on several factors.
How Experts Found the Best U.S. Cities for a Restful Sleep
They measured which among 50 U.S. cities offer lower light pollution and traffic congestion. Also taken into account were the areas with the highest safety score, hotel ratings, hotels with soundproof rooms/blackout curtains, the most nearby walking trails, health and fitness clubs, and yoga studios, as well as which had the highest average daily sun hours. The factors were normalized, then summed and multiplied to give each location a score and ranking. Various resources were used to find this data, including TripAdvisor, TomTom, AllTrails, Numbeo, and climatedata.org.
Below are the three destinations that made the top of the list. Plus, MattressNextDay Senior Sleep Expert Martin Seeley shares his tips on ensuring you get beauty rest on vacation and why it’s beneficial for your health.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs — the most populated city in El Paso County, Colorado (via World Population Review) — ranked highest for the best location to recharge, largely due to its peaceful environment. The town scored 74.68 out of 100 — a considerable part of that is because of its low light pollution (2.4 mcd/m²). This means that no matter how you choose to spend your time away, you won’t be disturbed by bright city lights shining through your window.
Additionally, Colorado Springs has the largest number of walking trails per 100,000 residents (176), ideal for outdoor enthusiasts hoping to connect with nature during their stay. Colorado has been a prime wellness-focused destination for a while now. In 2024, five of its cities made the 250 top “sleep-sanctuary” list, and multiple were in neighborhoods within Colorado Springs, as per Fox 21 News. So, it’s safe to say you’ll get plenty of Zzz’s here.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, might be known for its desolate deserts and stunning landscapes, but it’s also a prominent spot for sleep tourism. The city’s overall score was 69.62 out of 100, credited to its highest percentage of 4+ star hotels (20.1 percent). It also tied for second in average daily sun hours (10.6), providing ample opportunity for travelers to bask in the hot sun.
People might also flock to Tucson to enjoy their plethora of walking trails per 100,000 residents (116) and the city’s reputation for being one of the safest places to travel (scoring second at 45.43). It makes sense that the city was highlighted for positive sleep, given the University of Arizona opened a new facility to research sleep in 2023 and has been making strides in helping those suffering from sleep problems from long COVID-19 in other studies (via KGUN 9). They don’t mess around when it comes to getting quality slumber, that’s for sure.
Raleigh
Some might be surprised to discover that Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, made the top three since it’s such a bustling city. However, it’s more serene than it seems, which shows with its 63.33 total score. It also ranked seventh for light pollution (4.5 mcd/m²) and tied sixth for low traffic congestion, making for minimal disturbances for tired travelers.
Raleigh also boosted its ranking by placing third for overall safety (60.14) and third for soundproof hotel rooms (23.7 percent), allowing visitors to feel comfortable and relaxed in a vibrant setting. Speaking of a lively city, if you’re traveling with someone who prefers the opposite experience and likes a packed schedule full of activities, Raleigh also offers plenty of things to do year-round, per the Visit Raleigh website.
Why Sleep-Focused Getaways Are In
Seeley commented with an insider take on MattressNextDay’s study results and explained why more people have been gravitating toward sleep-focused escapes and how proper sleep hygiene betters our health.
Expert Tips to Promote Restorative Sleep
If you’re in the throes of planning a relaxing summer retreat, there are several things you should be aware of to establish good rest. Seeley noted them below and shared advice on conquering them for the ultimate sleepy-focused vacay.
Be Conscious of Jet Lag
Jet lag might not always plague your energy levels unless your trips are primarily on opposite time zones. However, when it does creep in, Seeley suggests operating on the same clock as your destination once you jet off. Doing this can offset the draining side effects and help get you to sleep on time.
Set Up Your Sleep Space
It isn’t uncommon for people to struggle to sleep soundly when they’re in a new place. That’s why organizing your space to match your sleep preferences is crucial to setting yourself up for success. This can be done by taking advantage of the hotel air conditioning by programming it to a comfortable temperature and hanging the “do not disturb” sign on the door to avoid interruption.
Use Earplugs and a Sleep Mask
Although the study emphasized areas that have hotels with soundproof walls and blackout curtains, it’s not always possible to find those accommodations. Having a solid pair of earplugs and a sleep mask on hand helps block out any unwanted light and noises when trying to sleep. You could already be doing this at home, so just make sure you pack an extra set when you’re traveling.
Don’t Break from Your Routine
For some, a tricky part about traveling is the adjustments it usually requires from your regular routine. While at home, you might regularly be in bed early and eating healthy meals. However, you may be tempted by the nightlife and junk food to go off course when on the road. If getting good quality sleep is your priority, Seeley advises you not to break from your everyday regimen. This could be going to sleep at the same time each night so you don’t alter your sleeping rhythm.
The Breakdown to Getting Restful Sleep
Getting away for a few days should be a rejuvenating adventure rather than an exhausting, sleepless one. Vacationers should use the opportunity to allow their bodies and minds to reset regardless of the type of retreat they’re after. Consider booking a trip to Colorado Springs, Tucson, or Raleigh for a guaranteed restful holiday, and follow Seeley’s approach for a restorative night’s sleep.
<p>The post Need to Catch Up on Shuteye? Here are the Best U.S. Cities for a Restful Sleep first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>