Santa Cruz de Tenerife: A Leading City for Quality Sleep in Spain

A recent analysis highlights Santa Cruz de Tenerife as one of the top cities in Spain for achieving quality sleep, showcasing its potential as a haven for those seeking restful nights.

Evaluating Sleep Conditions Across Spain

According to a comprehensive study conducted by Unobravo, an online psychology platform specializing in mental health, Santa Cruz de Tenerife ranks among the ten Spanish cities that provide the best conditions for restful sleep. This evaluation encompasses a total of 30 cities and considers a variety of crucial factors. These include air quality, noise and light pollution, the availability of green spaces, access to cafés, and digital connectivity. Collectively, these elements contribute significantly to determining the healthiest environments for sleep, making Santa Cruz de Tenerife a standout location.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Impressive Ranking

In the rankings, Santa Cruz de Tenerife achieved a commendable ninth place, boasting an impressive air quality score of 80 out of 100 and a green space coverage of 45%. This performance places the city above major urban centers such as Madrid and Barcelona, which struggle with higher levels of pollution and urban density. Additionally, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria secured the 11th position, demonstrating similar strengths with an air quality score of 71 and nearly half of its area dedicated to urban vegetation. These findings suggest that the Canary Islands, with their stable climate and reduced pollution levels, offer a more favorable environment for sleep compared to many mainland cities.

Elche: The Top City for Sleep Quality

The study identifies Elche as the leading city for sleep in Spain, boasting the highest percentage of green spaces at an impressive 66% and an air quality score of 77. Following closely behind are Córdoba and Vitoria-Gasteiz, which rank second and third respectively, thanks to their low noise levels and abundant natural areas. In stark contrast, Barcelona ranks at the bottom of the list, suffering from high noise and light pollution, a dismal air quality score of 38, and limited green spaces that cover only 29% of the city. This stark difference highlights the importance of environmental factors in promoting better sleep.

Understanding Sleep Patterns in Spain

The report reveals that the average Spaniard sleeps for approximately 6 hours and 56 minutes each night, typically going to bed at 00:32, one of the latest times recorded in Europe. This trend of insufficient rest, compounded by stress and increased screen time, negatively impacts sleep quality, particularly in urban settings. The timing of the Unobravo study coincides with the upcoming time change on 26 October, a shift that experts warn could disrupt circadian rhythms and further affect sleep patterns across the country. As the clocks change, many individuals may experience difficulties adjusting, leading to potential sleep disturbances.

Expert Recommendations for Better Sleep Quality

Psychologist Francisco Rufete, Clinical Director at Unobravo, emphasizes the body’s sensitivity to changes in schedule and light. He notes that even a one-hour shift can lead to fatigue and irritability, making it essential to adopt strategies that promote better sleep. To enhance sleep quality, he suggests the following practical tips:

Key points

• Establishing a consistent sleep routine to regulate the body’s internal clock.
• Getting exposure to natural light in the morning to help set the circadian rhythm.
• Avoiding caffeine and screens before bedtime to reduce stimulation.
• Creating a dark and quiet sleeping environment to facilitate restful sleep.

Key Points to Remember

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife ranks ninth among Spanish cities for sleep quality.
• The city boasts an air quality score of 80 out of 100 and 45% green space coverage.
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria follows closely in the rankings at 11th place.
• Elche is identified as the best city for sleep, with 66% green space.
• Average sleep duration for Spaniards is approximately 6 hours and 56 minutes.
• Psychologist Francisco Rufete offers valuable tips for improving sleep quality.