Sleep Health Journal Article Highlights Impacts of Neighborhood Reinvestment on Sleep Health
Media Contact:
Stephanie Kohn
skohn@thensf.org
Washington, D.C. (April 23, 2025) — New research published in the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) Sleep Health journal shows evidence of the relationship between neighborhood reinvestment and sleep health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of residential environments in promoting sleep health for all residents.
Sustained Impacts of Neighborhood Investments on Sleep Health Over a 5-Year Period: Insights from a Natural Experiment in Two Urban Neighborhoods in the United States (Troxel, Haas, Ghosh-Dastidar, Rosso, Hale, Buman, and Dubowitz) analyzed sleep health in residents of two low-income, predominantly Black American, urban neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The study investigated the effects of neighborhood reinvestment on sleep health over a period of five years in two, urban, low-income neighborhoods. While sleep quality generally worsened over time, those living closer to areas of investment had better sleep outcomes compared to those residing farther away.
According to lead author, Dr. Wendy Troxel, a Senior Behavioral and Social Scientist at RAND, “Sleep deserts, like food deserts, are areas lacking the resources, safety, and environmental conditions necessary for healthy sleep. Our findings suggest that investing in disadvantaged communities may partially offset age-related sleep deterioration.”
Sleep health is a crucial component of health and well-being. Poor sleep can lead to a range of adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and reduced quality of life. National Sleep Foundation is committed to advancing research and policies to give everyone the opportunity to be their Best Slept Self®.
“This study shows effects of neighborhood reinvestment including initial urban planning as a potential strategy to help benefit people’s sleep, particularly in historically underserved communities. One of NSF’s goals is that community, infrastructure, and environments respect sleep health,” said John Lopos, National Sleep Foundation CEO.
For more information about sleep health, visit theNSF.org/sleep-health-topics. For more information about Sleep Health visit: www.SleepHealthJournal.org.
About the National Sleep Foundation
There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep.
For more information about NSF, visit www.theNSF.org │ SleepHealthJournal.org