Why People Are Sleeping Worse in San Francisco — And What to Do About It

For many San Franciscans, waking up groggy has become the norm. In the last year, UCSF’s Sleep Disorders Center at Irving Street has logged a 25 percent jump in patient inquiries about chronic insomnia and sleep disruption compared to pre-pandemic figures. Clinical psychologist Dr. Maya Castillo, who leads workshops at the San Francisco Public Library’s Main Branch wellness program, calls it “the busiest year on record for sleep complaints in the city.”

Health professionals point to pandemic-related routine changes as a starting cause — but screens, work-from-home burnout and city noise are all worsening the situation in 2026. Even as San Francisco’s wellness industry booms, city dwellers across SoMa, the Mission and the Richmond report that restful nights remain frustratingly elusive. Sleep, once an afterthought, is fast becoming a public health concern with implications for productivity, mental wellness, and long-term chronic health.

Stress, Screens and City Life

Neighborhood specifics matter. Late-night street activity along Divisadero and Polk Street keeps cortisol levels high for apartment dwellers. Commuters returning to their Sunset homes face unpredictable work hours and nighttime tech notifications. Local therapists like those at the Haight Ashbury Psychological Services say blue light is a common topic in counseling. And in the Presidio, park runners who used to unwind with nature now report tracking steps until midnight on their smartwatches. "We're seeing many people who are physically active but mentally wired long past bedtime," a wellness coordinator at the Golden Gate Park Senior Center said.

Solutions have emerged citywide. Weekly digital detox meet-ups at Ocean Beach—organized by the group Rest SFO—encourage unplugging by sunset. Meanwhile, the Lower Haight sleep clinic NiteWell offers coaching on sleep routines for night-shift workers, including bartenders from North Beach and Mission restaurants. The cost? A typical four-week sleep hygiene course at NiteWell runs $160, and often sells out.

Numbers Tell the Sleep Story

UCSF Sleep Disorders Center data from March 2026 reveals the scale of the problem: more than 48% of adults in San Francisco report sleeping fewer than seven hours per night, the threshold considered risky for long-term health. That’s up from 39% in 2021. Area pharmacies like the Castro Walgreens on 18th Street have seen a 38% increase in melatonin and sleep aid sales in the past year, according to store management.

Dr. Katrina Soong, a sleep researcher at UCSF, points to a “sleep debt cycle” — residents take supplements or turn to screens for comfort, which further delays true rest. "We see the problem compounding among tech professionals in SoMa, teachers in the Excelsior, and older adults throughout the Outer Richmond," she said in a city-sponsored panel last month.

How to Sleep Better in 2026

What helps? Experts recommend establishing a no-screens rule after 8 p.m. and keeping consistent weeknight and weekend sleep schedules — even if that means missing late-night events in the Castro. Programs like Yoga Garden SF’s “Restorative Nights,” held twice a week on Divisadero, offer guided wind-down routines for $22 per class. For those on tighter budgets, the Department of Public Health has launched a free online sleep toolkit this summer — it includes neighborhood-specific noise-mitigation tips and interactive sleep tracking, available through SFGov.org.

Wellness advisors suggest making the most of the city’s natural assets. Early evening walks through the Botanical Garden instead of late-night streaming, or switching out bedroom LED lights for softer options, can reset circadian rhythms. Above all, locals are reminded: chronic sleep issues aren’t just personal—they’re shaping how San Francisco works, learns, and connects. Anyone struggling should consult their doctor or a UCSF-trained sleep specialist to explore options.