Abstract
Introduction
Emerging empirical evidence suggests green space exposure is protective against insufficient sleep. Limited studies exist, however, exploring the relationship between greenspace exposure and sleep among low income populations in the United States.
Methods
Using a sample of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants (n=104) recruited from Champaign County, Illinois, we examined the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and exposure to green space. Sleep duration was determined using the question, “On average, how many hours did you sleep each night during the past 4 weeks?” Green space exposure was determined using satellite imagery from the National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). An NDVI score was assigned to each participant based on residential geo-referenced data. Multiple linear regression was performed in SPSS to explore the relationship between self-reported sleep duration and green space.
Results
Higher number of hours of sleep within a 24-hour period was positively associated with higher scores for greenspace exposure (β=0.091, P=0.02), controlling for age, gender, smoking status, education, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality. Sleep duration was negatively associated with age (β=-0.03, P=0.007), but positively associated with sleep quality (β=0.856, P=0.008).
Conclusion
In a sample of SNAP participants, exposure to green space was associated with more hours of sleep per night. Additional studies with larger, and more geographically diverse samples of low income adults are needed to determine whether this relationship is robust.
Support
USDA UNC/DUKE BECR Center
The Relationship Between Obesity and Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Is Mental Health a Mediator?
