Study Links Commute Duration and Living Environment to Sleep Health in Tokyo Residents

A recent study highlights significant connections between commuting times, housing size, and sleep health among residents of Tokyo's metropolitan area. Despite spending a third of their lives sleeping, 30–40% of adults experience some form of insomnia, with Japan having the shortest sleep durations among OECD countries, falling about an hour below the average.

Public health research points to factors such as long commutes, noise, and light pollution from densely populated urban environments as contributors to poor sleep quality. While living in central areas offers the convenience of shorter commutes, the trade-off often involves cramped living conditions that may adversely affect sleep.

To explore how urban living factors influence sleep health, researchers led by Professor Daisuke Matsushita from Osaka Metropolitan University conducted an investigation focusing on the relationship between commuting times, residence size, and sleep issues like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. The study utilized an online survey with stratified random sampling, calculating commute durations based on transportation modes and postal codes.

Sleep quality was assessed using standardized scales—the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale—while demographic and socioeconomic data were also considered. Findings revealed that longer commutes were independently associated with increased risks of insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Additionally, smaller living spaces correlated with higher insomnia prevalence.

An interesting trade-off emerged: for housing units meeting the standard size of 95 m² for a four-person household, commutes exceeding approximately 52 minutes correlated with a higher likelihood of insomnia. These results suggest that urban planning and housing strategies should carefully consider the balance between location convenience and living space to promote healthier sleep patterns.

According to Professor Matsushita, "Housing choices that account for the balance between commute duration and living space could be key in enhancing sleep health among urban residents. This may also reduce the economic losses associated with sleep deprivation in busy metropolitan settings."

This research underscores the importance of considering environmental factors in urban housing policies to improve overall health outcomes and sleep quality for city dwellers.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-commuting-environment-poor-health.html