The Plus Side of Living through Cold, Dark Winters? Vermonters Get More Sleep

Vermont Sleeps Near the Top, Study Finds, Boosting Health

Vermonters are getting more sleep than nearly every other state, second only to Montana, according to a new Withings study. The research, released today, shows this extra rest is linked to better heart health and lower weight, giving Vermonters a quiet edge in well-being.

The study tracked 550,381 Americans using smart scales and sleep analyzers from March 2020 to March 2025. It found Vermonters log longer nights than most, trailing only Montana among states with the most sleep. States like Hawaii, Texas, and Arizona reported the shortest sleep durations.

Why the advantage? The study points to Vermont’s cooler climate, which supports better sleep compared to hotter states. Winter’s longer darkness also helps, with people sleeping 27 minutes more around the Winter Solstice than the Summer Solstice. Less light pollution and quieter rural nights likely play a role, letting Vermonters drift off more easily.

The health benefits are clear. Those with lower cardiovascular risk sleep nearly 30 minutes more per night, and people at a healthy weight get 21 minutes more than those with obesity. With 50 to 70 million Americans facing sleep disorders and one in three adults undersleeping, Vermont’s habits could help dodge heart disease and metabolic issues.

Nationally, Americans lost 32 minutes of sleep nightly over the study period, equivalent to 120 nights over five years. Vermont, however, bucks the trend. The state’s rural, low-stress lifestyle may contribute, though the study doesn’t directly address this.

“Sleep is critical for health,” said Dr. Pierre Escourrou, a cardiologist and study co-author. “Vermont’s longer sleep durations could be a model for improving outcomes nationwide.”

While Vermonters may not need a study to know they rest well, the data underscores a simple truth: those extra hours in bed are paying off.