New research from MattressNextDay highlights how festival season affects sleep, with Glastonbury ranking among Europe’s most sleep-depriving events. The study shows that some festivalgoers average as little as four hours of rest per night, raising concerns about health and wellbeing during the summer season. From late-night raves to noisy campsites, the data identifies which festivals leave attendees exhausted and includes expert tips to help improve rest.
MattressNextDay analysed popular festivals across the UK and Europe to determine where sleep is most disrupted. Barcelona’s Sónar Festival came out as the most sleep-depriving, with attendees averaging just 4 hours and 3 minutes of rest per night. Its electronic music scene and late-night sets make sleep a low priority. Green Man Festival in Wales ranked second overall, with 4 hours and 4 minutes of sleep on average, followed closely by Denmark’s Roskilde Festival at 4 hours and 6 minutes. France’s Hellfest, Boomtown in Hampshire, Exit Festival in Serbia, Creamfields in Cheshire, Open’er Festival in Poland, Latitude Festival in Suffolk, and Glastonbury complete the top ten, with Glastonbury attendees managing just 4 hours and 19 minutes of rest.
The study found that festivals present different challenges for sleep. At Sónar, the high-energy atmosphere means sleep is often overlooked. At Open’er, 25% of attendees cited noisy neighbours as the main sleep disruptor. At Boomtown, 35% reported falling asleep in crowds, while 23% of Lost Village attendees admitted to dozing off in portaloos. Download Festival was noted as the loudest, with 65% kept awake by party chatter. At Parklife and Isle of Wight, 20% blamed sleepless nights on amorous tent neighbours. Some attendees take steps to prepare. At Primavera Sound, 73% brought earplugs to improve their chances of rest. At Dekmantel in Amsterdam, 90% confessed to dozing off mid-rave.
Martin Seeley, CEO and Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, shared practical advice. He said, “If you can, choose a quiet camping spot away from busy areas like walkways and toilets, or take advantage of any quiet camp zones. Bringing your own pillow also makes a big difference by adding a touch of comfort and familiarity that helps you drift off easier. And if you’re feeling wiped out during the day, a 20-minute power nap can really recharge you, just be careful not to nap too long or you might feel groggy instead of refreshed.” Seeley added, “Festival sleep might not be perfect, but by setting yourself up properly and sticking to a few good habits, you’ll feel more rested and be able to enjoy every moment without burning out.”
According to NHS guidelines, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive function. With Glastonbury welcoming 210,000 attendees in 2024, the findings highlight the importance of better sleep strategies to help festivalgoers stay healthy and energised.
