Why people are sleeping worse and what to do about it

More Tel Aviv residents report fragmented sleep this year, driven by late-night screen exposure and street noise that lingers past midnight.

The issue has grown noticeable in a city where wellness routines already shape daily life, from early beach runs to evening yoga. Poor rest now affects work focus and mood for many who live between the Yarkon River and the Mediterranean promenade, where constant activity rarely pauses.

Local routines under pressure

Along Rothschild Boulevard, cafes stay open late and delivery scooters add to the soundscape well into the early hours. In the Florentin neighborhood, residents cite similar patterns near the old train station area, where bars and events extend the day. The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality launched its Healthy City sleep workshops in January 2025 at community centers on Levinsky Street, offering residents structured talks on light exposure and wind-down habits. A second series runs at the Beit Daniyel center near the old port, drawing participants who track their habits with simple journals provided on site.

City data from the same municipal program shows enrollment reached 1,200 people by March 2026, reflecting demand for practical guidance rather than medication. Participants learn to dim screens after 9 p.m. and to use blackout curtains suited to dense apartment blocks.

Practical steps that fit daily life

Those who attend the workshops often begin with small changes: a 20-minute walk on the promenade before bed or swapping late scrolling for reading under warm lamps. The municipality also lists affordable sleep masks and white-noise machines at local pharmacies along Dizengoff Street for under 80 shekels. Residents report steadier energy after two weeks of consistent timing, though results vary and a doctor should review any ongoing problems. The next round of workshops opens registration on 1 August 2026 through the city website.