The Associations Between Sleep Environment Factors and Sleep Health in Individuals Living with Neurological Conditions

OBJECTIVES: To explore associations between air temperature and light in the sleeping environment and sleep health in individuals with neurological conditions. METHODS: The sleep health of 46 individuals with neurological conditions (mean age 51.37 ± 14.24 years; 20 males, 26 females) was measured using the Sleep Health Index (SHI). Air temperature and light data were captured across seven days using a light/temperature data logger positioned next to the participant's bed. Data recorded during the participants' sleeping periods (determined using a sleep diary) were analyzed. Linear regression models were used to assess the associations between air temperature and light and sleep health (including domains). RESULTS: This study showed that for every additional minute of low (10 to 50 lux) light exposure during sleep periods, sleep quality decreased by 9%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that low light exposure during sleep periods may be detrimental to the sleep quality of individuals with neurological conditions.