Cluster-specific urban contexts associated with high levels of sleep impairment and daytime sleepiness: Findings from the Urbasan collaborative study

Introduction: Impaired sleep is a global health concern. However, the environmental factors contributing to sleep impairment in urban settings are still not well understood. Methodology: This study involved 179 participants from a Swiss municipality (Yverdon-les-Bains), where sleep quality and diurnal sleepiness were measured using validated questionnaires, alongside environmental and geo-referenced data. Results: The findings revealed a high prevalence of sleep disorders across diverse demographic groups (respectively 15.6 % for diurnal sleepiness and 91.1 % for significantly altered sleep quality). Additionally, sleep disorders were associated with both environmental and socio-demographic factors. Geospatial analysis identified clusters of sleep disturbances in specific neighborhoods, with distinct associations to specific sub-scores (factors) of the sleep evaluation. Conclusion: Assessing sleep in urban environments is crucial, as it is linked to elevated levels of sleepiness. Environmental and socio-demographic variables play significant roles in these disturbances. The incorporation of geospatial analyses allows for a more precise identification of patterns within the city, offering opportunities for tailored interventions to address the different patterns of sleep disorders.