Assessing the self-rated sleep quality in UK homes, based on an online survey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the self-rated sleep quality of occupants in UK homes and their association with bedroom condition. An online survey questionnaire was designed to understand the thermal comfort while sleeping, sleep quality and the physiological factors that affect sleep. The survey was administered for a period of two months (June-July 2022) in the UK. The survey asked particularly about the sleep disorder symptoms, sleep quality in summers, and thermal sensations and preferences while sleeping in summers. The study is observational and based on subjective responses of the occupants living in the UK homes. Analysis of SDS-CL-25 shows that only 22% (35 out of 158) respondents had no positive endorsements for any of the 13 sleep disorders. 41% respondents have a sleep efficiency less than 85% which is recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep disturbance in majority was reported due to heat/warm bedroom conditions followed by noise and dryness in the air. More than 50% of respondents expressed poor satisfaction with sleep and bedroom temperature during summers. The study highlights the prevalence of sleep disorders, and dissatisfaction with sleep quality in UK homes.