Did you know that, on average, people in Colombia work 1,000 hours (42 full days) more yearly than in Denmark?
Healthnews set out to find which countries have the most overworked and stressed populations, and where people live more laid-back lifestyles.
To understand which countries are the most tired globally, Healthnews created a Tiredness Index.
Methodology
In this report, we analyzed data from 27 countries to determine their overall levels of exhaustion.
We created the Tiredness Index by selecting four key metrics: annual working hours, daily time spent on the internet, average sleeping hours, and depression prevalence. These metrics were chosen for their direct impact on an individual's daily life and well-being.
- Annual working hours: Long working hours can lead to chronic fatigue and reduced time for rest and leisure.
- Daily time spent online: High internet usage can interfere with sleep and increase mental fatigue.
- Average sleeping hours: Adequate sleep is crucial for physical and mental health.
- Depression prevalence: Mental health significantly affects overall energy levels and quality of life.
Combining these metrics gives us a holistic view of the country's citizens' well-being.
So, which countries are the most exhausted, and where are people enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle? Dive into our report to uncover insights into global tiredness trends.
Country | Avg sleep time (h/min) | Internet usage (h/min) | Annual working hours | Depression prevalence | Tiredness index |
Colombia | 06:37 | 08:43 | 2,405 | 4.70% | 100.00 |
Chile | 06:39 | 08:31 | 1,963 | 5.00% | 88.59 |
Mexico | 06:37 | 07:37 | 2,226 | 4.20% | 88.57 |
United States | 07:06 | 07:03 | 1,811 | 5.90% | 82.97 |
Greece | 06:54 | 05:48 | 1,886 | 5.70% | 80.46 |
Portugal | 06:59 | 07:30 | 1,635 | 5.70% | 78.87 |
Poland | 06:50 | 06:17 | 1,815 | 5.10% | 76.97 |
Australia | 07:20 | 06:14 | 1,707 | 5.90% | 76.59 |
Romania | 06:58 | 06:31 | 1,808 | 5.00% | 76.56 |
New Zealand | 07:27 | 06:29 | 1,748 | 5.40% | 75.39 |
Czechia | 07:00 | 06:14 | 1,754 | 5.20% | 75.11 |
Hungary | 07:02 | 06:16 | 1,700 | 5.10% | 73.04 |
Italy | 06:54 | 05:49 | 1,695 | 5.10% | 71.84 |
Turkey | 06:35 | 06:57 | 1,732 | 4.00% | 71.61 |
Spain | 06:56 | 05:42 | 1,644 | 5.20% | 70.48 |
Canada | 07:11 | 06:18 | 1,686 | 4.70% | 70.05 |
Ireland | 07:17 | 06:13 | 1,658 | 4.80% | 69.20 |
Switzerland | 07:08 | 05:32 | 1,529 | 5.00% | 64.96 |
Sweden | 07:15 | 06:07 | 1,441 | 4.90% | 63.50 |
Austria | 07:07 | 05:31 | 1,444 | 5.10% | 63.15 |
United Kingdom | 07:22 | 06:02 | 1,532 | 4.50% | 63.15 |
Belgium | 07:18 | 05:22 | 1,526 | 4.80% | 62.65 |
France | 07:14 | 05:22 | 1,511 | 4.80% | 62.47 |
Norway | 07:09 | 05:46 | 1,425 | 4.70% | 61.12 |
Germany | 07:07 | 05:22 | 1,341 | 5.20% | 60.35 |
Netherlands | 07:24 | 05:30 | 1,427 | 4.70% | 59.46 |
Denmark | 07:14 | 05:08 | 1,372 | 5.00% | 58.92 |
#1 Colombia: the most exhausted globally
Colombia, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned coffee, tops the Tiredness Index with an impressive (or daunting) score of 100.
Colombians clock an average of 2,405 annual working hours, one of the highest in our dataset. Combined with an average sleep time of just 06:37 and significant internet usage of 08:43 daily, it's no wonder Colombia leads this list.
The country's prevalence of depression (4.7%) also contributes to overall tiredness. The intense work culture and high internet usage seem to leave little room for rest, making Colombia the most tired nation.
#2 Chile
Chile, stretching along the western edge of South America with its diverse landscapes from the Atacama Desert to the Andes mountains, follows closely with a Tiredness Index of 88.59.
Chileans work around 1,963 hours annually and sleep an average of 06:39 per day. They spend about 08:31 online daily, reflecting a highly connected lifestyle.
The depression prevalence stands at 5%, contributing significantly to the tiredness score. The combination of long working hours, high internet usage, and mental health challenges places Chile high on the tiredness scale.
#3 Mexico
Mexico, rich in history, culture, and cuisine, scores a Tiredness Index of 88.57. Mexicans work about 2,226 hours a year and sleep for an average of 06:37 daily.
With internet usage at 07:37 a day, Mexicans balance long working hours with substantial online time. The country's lower depression prevalence of 4.2% slightly mitigates its tiredness index but not enough to keep it out of the top three.
The demanding work schedules and significant digital engagement contribute to Mexico's high tiredness ranking.
#4 United States
The United States, known for its economic power, cultural influence, and diverse landscapes, ranks fourth with an 82.97 Tiredness Index.
Americans sleep for an average of 07:06 and work around 1,811 hours annually. Despite having more sleep than the top three countries, the U.S. has a high depression prevalence of 5.9% and substantial internet usage of 07:03 daily, contributing to its high tiredness score.
The relentless pace of life and high connectivity in the country drive its citizens to greater exhaustion.
#5 Greece
Greece, famous for its ancient history, beautiful islands, and delicious cuisine, has a Tiredness Index of 80.46.
Greeks sleep for an average of 06:54, work 1,886 hours annually, and spend 05:48 online daily. The high prevalence of depression (5.7%) further amplifies their tiredness score, indicating that despite their cultural emphasis on relaxation and socialization, Greeks are still feeling the strain.
The combination of high work hours and mental health challenges appears to outweigh their reputation for a laid-back lifestyle.
#6 Portugal
Portugal, known for its rich maritime history, stunning beaches, and delicious port wine, has a Tiredness Index of 78.87.
With 1,635 annual working hours, Portuguese people enjoy relatively fewer working hours but still face an average sleep time of 06:59. Their daily internet usage of 07:30 and a depression prevalence of 5.7% contribute to the overall tiredness, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
The high internet usage and mental health issues counterbalance the fewer working hours.
#7 Poland
With its rich history, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes, Poland scores a Tiredness Index of 76.97.
Poles work about 1,815 hours annually and sleep for an average of 06:50 daily. They spend 06:17 online each day, and with a depression prevalence of 5.1%, it's clear that the combination of work, screen time, and mental health is taking its toll.
The balance of high work hours and digital engagement contributes significantly to Poland's place in the top ten.
#8 Australia
Australia, known for its unique wildlife, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle, has a Tiredness Index of 76.59.
Australians work around 1,707 hours annually, sleep for 07:20 daily, and spend 06:14 online. The country's high depression prevalence of 5.9% plays a significant role in their tiredness score, indicating that even in a country known for its laid-back lifestyle, exhaustion is a real issue.
The combination of mental health challenges and digital consumption seems to overshadow their relatively fewer working hours.
#9 Romania
Romania, a land of rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, has a Tiredness Index of 76.56.
Romanians work 1,808 hours annually and sleep for 06:58 daily. With 06:31 spent online each day and a depression prevalence of 5%, the balance of work, sleep, and digital engagement places Romania in the top ten.
The significant work hours and digital consumption contribute heavily to their tiredness levels.
#10 New Zealand
New Zealand, known for its breathtaking landscapes and adventurous spirit, rounds out the top ten with a Tiredness Index of 75.39.
Citizens work about 1,748 hours annually and enjoy an average sleep time of 07:27 daily. Despite their relatively better sleep, a daily internet usage of 06:29 and a depression prevalence of 5.4% highlight the underlying tiredness in this picturesque nation.
Combining mental health challenges and digital engagement seems to counteract their otherwise healthy sleep habits.
5 least tired countries
Among the five least tired countries, it’s notable that two are Scandinavian: Denmark and Norway.
This pattern highlights the successful implementation of balanced work-life practices prevalent in Scandinavian culture. These countries are known for their high quality of life, progressive social policies, and strong emphasis on work-life balance.
Denmark
Denmark, often celebrated for its high quality of life, hygge culture, and beautiful architecture, has a Tiredness Index of 58.92.
Danes work approximately 1,372 hours annually and sleep for 07:14 daily. They use the internet at 05:08 daily, and a depression prevalence of 5% helps keep their tiredness index low.
Denmark is one of the least tired countries, possibly thanks to the combination of fewer working hours, ample sleep, and a balanced digital lifestyle.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, known for its picturesque canals, cycling culture, and progressive society, boasts a relatively low Tiredness Index of 59.46.
The Dutch work around 1,427 hours annually and enjoy a healthy sleep average of 07:24 daily. Their internet usage is 05:30 per day, and a low depression prevalence of 4.7% contributes to their status as one of the least tired nations.
The balance of work, rest, and digital consumption seems well-managed in the Netherlands.
Germany
Germany, famous for its engineering prowess, rich history, and cultural contributions, has a Tiredness Index of 60.35.
Germans work around 1,341 hours annually and sleep for 07:07 daily. They use the internet at 05:22 daily, and a depression prevalence of 5.2% keeps their tiredness index low.
These metrics reflect the German balance of efficient work habits and sufficient rest, which contributes to their lower tiredness levels.
Norway
With its stunning fjords, high standard of living, and emphasis on outdoor activities, Norway has a Tiredness Index of 61.12.
Norwegians work around 1,425 hours annually and enjoy a good night's sleep, averaging 07:09 daily. Their internet usage is 05:46 per day, and a depression prevalence of 4.7% reflects their balanced lifestyle, contributing to their lower tiredness score.
The Norwegian approach to work-life balance and mental health is crucial in their lower tiredness levels.
France
France, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and iconic landmarks, stands out as one of the least tired countries on our Tiredness Index. With a Tiredness Index of 62.47, the French enjoy a relatively balanced lifestyle.
They work around 1,511 hours annually, which is moderate compared to other nations. On average, the French get about 07:14 daily sleep, aligning well with recommended sleep guidelines.
Their daily internet usage is around 05:22, showing a high level of digital engagement. Despite a prevalence of depression of 4.8%, the combination of moderate work hours, sufficient sleep, and manageable internet use helps keep France among the least tired nations.
The French dedication to leisure, socialization, and culinary delights fosters a healthier balance between work and rest.
4 resources
- World Population Review. Average sleep time by country.
- World Population Review. Depression rates by country.
- DataReportal. Digital 2024 Global Overview Report.
- OECD. Hours worked.
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