Forbes Health recently released a report of the U.S. cities that foster the best sleep environments, and one Colorado city made the list.
Researchers analyzed data across five categories, including each city's cleanliness and pollution, health and fitness accessibility, and proximity to nature and social environment. The country's 41 largest cities were included in the analysis.
Ultimately, Denver ranked eighth on the list overall. The Mile High City is known for its outdoor activities and healthy culture, two things that can contribute to a good night's sleep. Denver scored fifth in bike-ability and according to Forbes, 92% of Denver residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city also ranked fourth in community well-being, with community well-being includes factors like access to grocery stores and healthy food retailers, home valuation, access to health care and overall physical health – more factors that contribute to healthy sleep patterns.
Forbes states that community well-being and social connections "can help people feel more supported and secure in their environment, helping to create a sense of ease and reduce stress and anxiety, all of which encourage more restful sleep."
Although the Mile High City does have many health benefits, the high altitude presents some challenges when it comes to sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, high altitude impairs sleep quality. In an article, the NIH states that reduced oxygen content in blood causes breathing instability, which can lead to "sleep disturbances with frequent awakenings and a feeling of lack of air." However, sleep quality can improve with acclimatization. Most residents that have been in Denver for more than a few weeks should be fully acclimated to the elevation.
Virginia Beach, Virginia took the top spot for cities with the best sleep environments. The city ranked first in categories of cleanliness and air quality.
Check out Forbes Health's full report of cities with the best sleep environments here.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.