Ji Qiao
Research Mentor: Carina Gronlund
Mentor Department: Survey Research Center, ISR
Author(s): Ji Qiao, Carina Gronlund, Sam Karsky
Session: Session 7 (4:00 PM – 4:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 43
Abstract
Adequate sleep is essential for physical and mental health, and environmental conditions within the home can influence sleep quality. Previous research has shown that warmer nighttime temperatures can increase the likelihood of sleep loss (Obradovich et al., 2017). Home weatherization programs improve insulation and energy efficiency and may help stabilize indoor temperatures, potentially creating a more comfortable sleep environment. However, limited research has examined whether weatherization is associated with changes in sleep outcomes among adults aged 40 and older living in low-income households. One part of this study examines sleep outcomes among adults aged 40 years and older participating in the Weatherization and Health Effects Study. Participants reported living in drafty homes at enrollment and either received weatherization or energy assistance during the study period or served as a comparison group. Participants completed daily sleep diaries for two 7-day periods (7 days at enrollment and 7 days near study completion), reporting sleep duration. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics and sleep patterns, and paired t-tests will be used to examine within-person changes in sleep outcomes following weatherization. We hypothesize that participants receiving home weatherization will experience improvements in sleep duration and self-reported sleep quality.
