The Most Sleep-Deprived States for Workers in 2026
In 2026, sleep deprivation remains a significant issue among American workers, with approximately 70% of individuals reporting they do not get enough rest. This challenge is particularly prevalent among night shift workers, with about 44% averaging less than six hours of sleep each night.
This raises the question: Which states have the most sleep-deprived workers? Where is caffeine a crucial part of the daily routine, and yawns echo throughout workplaces?
Utilizing data from the National Safety Council, we have identified the states where workers are the most and least sleep-deprived.
Key Findings
- Hawaii tops the list as the most sleep-deprived state, with 44% of residents not getting adequate sleep.
- Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama follow closely behind in terms of sleep-deprived workers.
- Generally, the western states, particularly those in the Midwest, tend to have better sleep patterns, while the South and Northeast show higher levels of fatigue.
- A contributing factor to the Midwest’s better rest? Many residents enjoy some of the shortest commutes in the country.
- South Dakota, Colorado, and Minnesota boast the lowest percentages of sleep-deprived workers.
- Notably, only 28% of South Dakota residents are classified as sleep-deprived.
Most Sleep-Deprived States
Least Sleep-Deprived States
Scroll to the bottom for the complete list of all 50 states ranked by sleep deprivation levels.
How We Determined This
The National Safety Council conducted a survey on sleep deprivation to assess both its prevalence and consequences.
Insufficient sleep is defined as getting less than six hours a night. The data presented here reflects workers who consistently average less than six hours of nightly sleep; it does not account for occasional poor nights of rest.
State-level data is derived from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual telephone survey in the U.S. This information allows us to calculate the prevalence of sleep deficiency across different states.
The Importance of Sleep
While it’s common to hear jokes about exhaustion at work, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to significant health risks and workplace issues.
Lack of sleep not only affects job performance and career advancement but also increases the likelihood of accidents and mental health challenges. If you find yourself relying heavily on caffeine to stay alert, it may be time to consider a job that offers a shorter commute or a schedule more conducive to better sleep. Alternatively, why not try a mid-day work nap to recharge?
States With The Most Sleep-Deprived Workers, Ranked
| Rank | State | Percent Sleep Deprived |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 44.0% |
| 2 | Kentucky | 38.9% |
| 3 | Georgia | 38.8% |
| 4 | Alabama | 38.5% |
| 4 | Maryland | 38.5% |
| 6 | New York | 38.1% |
| 7 | Indiana | 37.8% |
| 8 | South Carolina | 37.7% |
| 9 | Michigan | 37.5% |
| 10 | Delaware | 37.4% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 37.4% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 37.1% |
| 12 | Ohio | 37.1% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 36.8% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 36.7% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 36.5% |
| 17 | Mississippi | 36.4% |
| 18 | Nevada | 36.2% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 36.1% |
| 20 | Virginia | 35.9% |
| 21 | Louisiana | 35.7% |
| 22 | Oklahoma | 35.2% |
| 23 | Alaska | 35.1% |
| 24 | Florida | 34.9% |
| 25 | Connecticut | 34.5% |
| 26 | Illinois | 34.2% |
| 27 | Massachusetts | 34.1% |
| 28 | California | 33.7% |
| 29 | Texas | 33.2% |
| 30 | Missouri | 33.1% |
| 31 | Arizona | 32.7% |
| 32 | North Carolina | 32.4% |
| 33 | Maine | 32.2% |
| 34 | New Hampshire | 32.0% |
| 35 | New Mexico | 31.6% |
| 35 | Washington | 31.6% |
| 37 | Wisconsin | 31.3% |
| 38 | Oregon | 31.2% |
| 39 | North Dakota | 31.0% |
| 39 | Utah | 31.0% |
| 39 | Wyoming | 31.0% |
| 42 | Kansas | 30.5% |
| 43 | Idaho | 30.3% |
| 43 | Vermont | 30.3% |
| 45 | Iowa | 30.2% |
| 46 | Montana | 30.0% |
| 46 | Nebraska | 30.0% |
| 48 | Minnesota | 28.9% |
| 49 | Colorado | 28.5% |
| 50 | South Dakota | 27.8% |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
