Can Where You Live Affect How Well You Sleep?

When you were deciding where to purchase or rent your current home, you probably thought about things like its proximity to your job, the size of the dwelling, and whether the neighborhood had a reputation for being safe. You might not have thought about the quality of your nightly rest. The truth is, though, that where you live may affect how well you sleep! This blog post explains how that is the case.

Regional Sleep Patterns

A 2023 study published by U.S. News & World Report considered various factors in major cities that could affect sleep quality. For example, they considered things like air, noise, and light pollution. The overall prevalence of physical activity and average sleep duration were also taken into account.

The study found that Austin was the best city in the U.S. for sleep health. Raleigh, Colorado Springs, and San Jose were also among the top 10. Unfortunately, Miami, Detroit, and Philadelphia made it into the bottom 10.

A study conducted by the CDC found that sleep quality tends to be worse overall in the Southeastern region of the U.S. That may be due to higher average temperatures and greater humidity, both of which can affect sleep quality. They can also cause airway irritation and may increase symptoms of sleep apnea, a dangerous sleep disorder that causes disruptions in breathing.

Local Sleep Factors

While the region where you live may affect sleep quality, there may also be much more localized factors that influence your rest. For example, if you live near a busy road, that can contribute to noise, light, and air pollution outside your home. Socioeconomic factors can also cause stress, which may contribute to sleep problems. Your home’s temperature control system, the quality of your windows and doors, and the activities of your neighbors may come into play as well.

What Can You Do?

Regardless of where you live, there may be things you can do to enjoy better rest. Here are some suggestions:

• Create a comfortable bedroom environment. Keep it as clean as possible, and invest in a good mattress. Use high-quality window coverings that can reduce light and noise pollution from outside.
• Adjust the temperature and humidity. Most people sleep best at a slightly cool temperature. If you live in a humid area, a dehumidifier might help with easier breathing.
• Seek medical care when needed. If you have sleep apnea or another health condition that is exacerbated by your local environment, consider seeking professional assistance. Sleep apnea is usually easy to treat with a custom oral appliance from a dentist.

Where you live can affect how well you sleep! Try to create an environment for yourself that is conducive to high-quality rest.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Kenneth Mogell and Yitta Garden are proud to provide sleep apnea treatment at three convenient Florida locations. They offer custom oral appliances, which promote easier breathing and can significantly improve sleep quality. If you believe you have sleep apnea or have questions about how our team can serve you, contact our Vero Beach office at  772-882-6800.