A dangerous consequence of a long commute to work has been found

Scientists at Osaka City University led by Professor Daisuke Matsushita identified a relationship between commute time, housing size, and sleep quality among metropolitan residents.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Journal of Transport & Health (JTH), the study covered residents of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Its results showed: the longer the commute to work, the higher the risk of developing insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Small apartment size became an additional risk factor.

The analysis was conducted using the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, as well as taking into account demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of participants. Even after all adjustments, prolonged commutes and small housing area remained significant predictors of sleep disorders.

According to the study, in apartments meeting the urban standard of 95 m² for a family of four, the probability of insomnia increased if the commute to work exceeded 52 minutes.

"The balance between housing location and size can improve sleep quality for metropolitan residents and reduce related economic losses," noted Professor Matsushita.