Impact of PM 2.5 , relative humidity, and temperature on sleep quality: a cross-sectional study in Taipei

• Published in: Annals of medicine (Helsinki) 2025-12, Vol.57 (1), p.2448733
• Main Authors: Thanh Tung, Nguyen, Lee, Yueh-Lun, Liu, Wen-Te, Lin, Yuan-Chien, Chang, Jer-Hwa, Xuan Thao, Huynh Nguyen, Ba Dung, Hoang, Viet Trung, Lam, Phan Chung Thuy, Tran, Thi Hien, Nguyen, Tsai, Cheng-Yu, Lo, Chen-Chen, Lo, Kang, Ho, Kin Fai, Chuang, Kai-Jen, Chuang, Hsiao-Chi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Air Pollutants - adverse effects; Air Pollutants - analysis; Air Pollution - adverse effects; Arousal - physiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Exposure - adverse effects; Female; Humans; Humidity; Male; Middle Aged; Particulate Matter - adverse effects; Particulate Matter - analysis; Seasons; Sleep Quality; Sleep Stages - physiology; Taiwan - epidemiology; Temperature
• ISSN: 0785-3890; 1365-2060
• DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2448733

TWe investigated impacts of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM ), relative humidity (RH), and temperature on sleep stages and arousal. A cross-sectional analysis involving 8,611 participants was conducted at a sleep center in Taipei. We estimated individual-level exposure to RH, temperature, and PM over 1-day, 7-day, and 30-day periods. Linear regression models assessed the relationship between these environmental factors and sleep parameters across different seasons. Mediation analysis was used to explore PM , RH, and temperature roles in these relationships. A 1% increase in RH over 1 and 7 days was associated with changes in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages and increases in the arousal index across all seasons. A 1°C increase in temperature over similar periods led to increases in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During cold season, changes in RH and temperature were linked to variations in arousal and NREM sleep stages. In hot season, RH and temperature increases were correlated with changes in NREM sleep stages and arousal. Across all groups, a 1-μg/m³ increase in PM levels was associated with alterations in NREM and REM sleep stages and increases in the arousal index. We found PM levels mediated relationships between RH, temperature, and various sleep stages, particularly in cold season. Lower RH and temperature, contributing to deep sleep reduction and increased arousal, were influenced by elevated PM exposure, especially during colder months. Enhancing environmental quality and reducing PM levels may lead to improved sleep quality.