Impact of Urban Living on Sleep Quality

Research in public health has shown that factors such as long commutes, noise, and light pollution in densely populated residential areas can negatively affect sleep quality. While living in major cities offers advantages like proximity to work, the level of comfort in these areas is often lower compared to rural regions. Therefore, urban architecture research can help find a balance between comfort and good sleep by studying the relationship between residential location, space, and sleep health.

Study on Commute Time and Living Space Effects on Insomnia and Drowsiness

A research team led by Professor Daisuke Matsushita from Osaka Metropolitan University conducted a study to explore whether commute time and residential location affect insomnia and daytime drowsiness among residents of the Tokyo metropolitan area. An online survey using a stratified random sample was employed, where commute time was calculated using a route search system based on transportation modes and the postal codes of participants’ homes and workplaces.

Insomnia and daytime drowsiness were assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the study examined whether these relationships persisted after adjusting for demographic and socio-economic factors.

Study Results and Data Analysis

The analysis results showed that even after adjusting for common factors, longer commute times still predicted insomnia and daytime drowsiness, while smaller living spaces predicted insomnia. Additionally, the results indicated an interaction between commute time and floor space in cases of insomnia. For housing units meeting the urban residential area standard of 95 square meters for a family of four, commute times exceeding 52 minutes reached the insomnia threshold.

Future Recommendations for Improving Sleep Health

Professor Matsushita suggests that improving housing options and providing a balance between location and space could enhance sleep health for commuters and reduce the economic losses associated with sleep in urban areas. Hence, government policies and urban planning can play a crucial role in creating living environments that support public health and individual well-being.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the close relationship between urban environments and sleep health, highlighting the importance of urban design that balances location and housing to improve quality of life. By understanding the negative effects of long commutes and limited living space, urban communities can take effective steps to improve living conditions and reduce insomnia and daytime drowsiness. This study serves as an important starting point for further research and future studies in this field.