Finding Sleep in Dense Cities

Here’s something Californians can look forward to as urban planners force higher densities on existing neighborhoods and urban areas: buses for sleeping. A company in Hong Kong, one of the densest cities in the world, is offering “bus sleeping tours” of the city, 51-mile trips aimed at allowing residents to get a little shut-eye.

Hong Kong, the city where it’s hard to sleep. Photo by Tomas Forac.

Hong Kong is one of the most sleep-deprived cities in the world, with 70 percent of residents saying they have trouble sleeping. Obstacles to sleep include light pollution, noise pollution, and the presence of so many attractive bars and restaurants within walking distance of everyone’s homes. That’s exactly what planners want for California cities, and anyone who objects is called a racist. Continue reading