Environmental conditions, such as temperature, noise, light, bed comfort and electronic distractions, play a significant role in one’s ability to get proper sleep—and, subsequently, in overall sleep-related wellness.
For instance, in an Israeli study of eighth- and ninth-grade students, researchers found that those adolescents with excessive electronic media habits experienced daytime sleep-related problems. The study found that students with televisions in their bedrooms went to bed later in the night and slept less than those without televisions. The authors of the study point out that these findings raise a public health concern regarding lifestyle and functioning in young people. (10)
Environmental noise is another significant factor when it comes to influencing sleep-wake behavior and sleep quality. Research shows that high sound levels during sleep—whether from traffic, neighbors, or disturbances in your own home—can decrease your sleep intensity, cause you to wake more often during the night, and can even increase your stress hormone secretion. According to a German study by Kohlhuber, et al., the results of this poor sleep quality reach far beyond the short-term consequences of reduced cognitive performance and general tiredness. Their study showed that the long-term consequences of repeated sleep loss due to environmental noise may include heart disease and increased medication intake.