Neighborhood Design Linked to Sleep Quality, Study Suggests
Urban environments with more greenery, less noise, and a greater sense of safety correlate with better sleep outcomes, according to research.
The characteristics of a person's neighborhood may play a significant role in their sleep quality, according to recent research that analyzed urban landscapes and self-reported sleep data. Experts suggest that factors ranging from ambient noise to the visual appeal of a streetscape can subconsciously influence restfulness.
A study led by Professor Daisuke Matsushita of Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan utilized artificial intelligence to assess streetscape features from over 200,000 Google Street View images. The research focused on 1,089 working adults living on lower apartment floors in Tokyo.
Findings indicated that individuals residing in neighborhoods with a stronger perceived sense of safety tended to experience longer sleep durations and fewer insomnia symptoms. Visual elements such as trees, greenery, and a high degree of "enclosure"—characterized by tall buildings with limited open spaces—were associated with better sleep. These elements may contribute to a feeling of security and a less stimulating environment at night.
Conversely, highly walkable areas with abundant sidewalks and traffic signals were linked to a lower sense of safety and shorter sleep periods. This could be attributed to increased foot traffic and a more bustling atmosphere.
"We hope that opening up this new perspective creates further possibilities for designing healthier neighborhoods," Matsushita stated in a press release.
Beyond neighborhood aesthetics, ambient conditions within the immediate living environment also impact sleep. Nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade noted that household surroundings and neighborhood noise levels can disrupt sleep patterns. She suggested that white noise machines can help mitigate noise pollution for those living in loud environments. Palinski-Wade also recommends using blackout curtains to block out light pollution and maintain a darker sleep environment.
Factors within the home, such as room temperature and whether bedroom doors are open or closed, can also affect how much external noise penetrates the sleeping space. Palinski-Wade emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, advising that going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, including on weekends, has the most significant impact on sleep quality and quantity.
The researchers noted that the study's findings are based on self-reported sleep data from a specific demographic in Tokyo and may not be universally applicable to individuals on higher floors or in suburban or rural settings. The study also acknowledges limitations due to the reliance on memory and the focus on a single city's population.