Research and expert opinions reveal that the area in which you reside can significantly affect your sleep quality. The surroundings and environment in your neighborhood play a crucial role in influencing restfulness.
According to Erin Palinski-Wade, a nutritionist based in New Jersey and the author of “The Sleepdemic Solution,” ambient neighborhood conditions and household environments can disrupt sleep patterns. Factors such as living with family, pets, or in noisy areas frequently impact sleep quality.
“If you live in noisy environments, the fact is that it is going to be noisy and you do have to make some adjustments,” Palinski-Wade explained to Fox News Digital. She recommended using tools such as white noise machines to help reduce environmental noise.
Practical measures to enhance sleep include employing white noise machines, installing blackout curtains, and ensuring bedroom doors are closed. These adjustments can effectively minimize disturbances.
Beyond the immediate environment, the visual characteristics of a neighborhood can subtly influence sleep patterns. A study led by Professor Daisuke Matsushita from Osaka Metropolitan University explored this aspect by analyzing over 200,000 Google Street View images. Using artificial intelligence, the study assessed streetscape features.
The study reviewed the sleep patterns of 1,089 working adults living on lower floors in Tokyo apartments. It discovered that individuals in neighborhoods perceived as safer often experienced longer sleep durations.
“Cities could potentially measure perceived safety, beauty, liveliness and enclosure, as well as pollution and noise,” Matsushita mentioned in a press release.
Visuals such as trees and greenery, alongside high “enclosure” rates with tall buildings, correlated with longer sleep and fewer insomnia symptoms. Conversely, areas that were highly walkable with abundant sidewalks and traffic signs linked to shorter sleep durations due to increased activity.
Palinski-Wade suggests blackout curtains to minimize light pollution, promoting more restful sleep. Environmental factors within the home, such as room temperature and whether bedroom doors are open or closed, are also important in managing noise levels.
The study primarily relied on self-reported sleep data, subject to varying accuracy, and focused only on certain demographics. The findings emphasize that relocating may not be essential, but addressing household interruptions, pet disturbances, and ambient noise can improve sleep quality.
Implementing a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, ensures better sleep quality and duration, as advised by Palinski-Wade.
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