ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON SLEEP: NOISE, LIGHTING, & SOCIAL SUPPORT IN SOUTH ASIAN CAREGIVERS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Q: What environmental factors were studied and how are they related to sleep quality?

The study examined noise, lighting, and social support. Frequent noise disturbances were associated with lower self-reported sleep quality, and artificial light exposure before bedtime related to slightly lower sleep duration.

Q: How did social support and social isolation affect caregivers’ sleep?

Higher social support correlated positively with better sleep quality. Social isolation was reported by 33.3% of participants and was linked to increased anxiety and sleep disruption in the qualitative analysis.

Q: What methodology was used to analyze the study results?

The research used a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 78 caregivers, and qualitative data from five focus groups (n = 21) were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Sep 29, 2026

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Caregivers for older adults often experience disrupted sleep quality due to environmental stressors, affecting health, well-being, and caregiving capacity. This mixed-methods study examined how noise, lighting, and social support influence self-reported sleep quality among South Asian caregivers who do not live with care recipients. Quantitative results from 78 caregivers linked frequent noise to lower sleep quality, high pre-bed artificial light to shorter sleep duration (not significant), and stronger social support to improved sleep; isolation was common.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study design and participants

Quantitative findings

Qualitative themes

Implications

916 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3095 ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON SLEEP: NOISE, LIGHTING, & SOCIAL SUPPORT IN SOUTH ASIAN CAREGIVERS FOR OLDER ADULTS Srujana Chekuri1, Dinesh Karki2, Akankshya Chataut2, and Julie Blaskewicz Boron2, 1. University of Nebraska Omaha, Elkhorn, Nebraska, United States, 2. University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, United States Caregivers for older adults often experience disrupted sleep quality due to environmental stressors, affecting their health, well-being, and caregiving capacity. This mixed-methods study examined how noise, lighting, and social support influence self-reported sleep quality among South Asian caregivers who do not reside with care recipients. Quantitative data were collected from 78 South Asian caregivers (62% male; 38% female), aged 19–73 years (M = 26, SD = 7) . Nearly half (48.7%, n = 38) reported frequent noise disturbances, significantly associated with lower sleep quality scores (r= –0.47, p < 0.01). Additionally, 47.4%(n = 37) reported high artificial light exposure before bedtime, linked to slightly lower sleep duration (M = 6.54 hours, SD = 1.59) compared to those with lower exposure (M = 6.78 hours, SD = 1.37), though not statistically significant (t= –0.71, p > 0.05) . Higher social support was positively correlated with better sleep quality (r= 0.49, p< 0.001), while 33.3%(n = 26) reported social isolation. Qualitative data from five focus groups (n = 21) were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Noise was discussed by 16 participants (76%), including external (e.g., traffic, sirens) and internal (e.g., roommates, appliances) sources, contributing to sleep fragmentation. Lighting was discussed by 14 (67%), who reported screen use and limited daylight as disruptors. Community support, emphasized by 15 (71%), buffered stress and enhanced sleep, while isolation increased anxiety and sleep disruption. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive environmental and social interventions to improve sleep quality among long-distance caregivers, whose unique challenges, such as physical separation and limited direct support, require targeted strategies to enhance caregiving sustainability and overall well-being.

FAQs

What environmental factors were studied and how are they related to sleep quality?

The study examined noise, lighting, and social support. Frequent noise disturbances were associated with lower self-reported sleep quality, and artificial light exposure before bedtime related to slightly lower sleep duration.

How did social support and social isolation affect caregivers’ sleep?

Higher social support correlated positively with better sleep quality. Social isolation was reported by 33.3% of participants and was linked to increased anxiety and sleep disruption in the qualitative analysis.

What methodology was used to analyze the study results?

The research used a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 78 caregivers, and qualitative data from five focus groups (n = 21) were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by OmBimo