The impact of regional, seasonal, and environmental factors on the sleep status of urban residents in China

Abstract

Background: Sleep quality is influenced by various environmental factors, yet their impact across different regions and seasons in China remains understudied.

Objective: This study evaluated how environmental factors affect sleep quality, duration, and disorders among Chinese urban residents in different regions and seasons.

Methods: Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, 9229 adults from 29 provinces were included. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression.

Results: Sleep quality varied significantly by season and region. Poor sleep was more common in spring (OR = 1.343 vs. summer) and in the southwest (OR = 2.618) and northwest (OR = 2.636) compared to Huanghuai. Short sleep duration was less frequent in autumn (OR = 0.565) and winter (OR = 0.454) versus summer, but more common in southern China (OR = 1.851) and northeast China (OR = 1.591). Sleep disorders were higher in spring (OR = 1.357) and in the Southwest (OR = 1.252).

Conclusions: The influence of season and geographic region on sleep demonstrates multidimensional and specific characteristics. Overall, the majority of regions exhibited better sleep quality in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer. Meanwhile, the southwestern region showed higher risks in terms of sleep disturbances and sleep quality.

Keywords

China / environmental factors / region / season / sleep

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2026 The Author(s). Sleep Research published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Chinese Sleep Research Society.