Association between exposure to air pollution and risk of Dyssomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Typically affecting people's quality of life, dyssomnia is among the most prevalent chronic illnesses worldwide. A positive correlation between air pollution and dyssomnia has been demonstrated by epidemiological research. However, no meta-analyses evaluating the relationship between the prevalence of dyssomnia in people of all ages and air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃) were found.

Conduct a meta-analysis utilizing data from current studies (until 2024) to provide reliable insights into the relationship between air pollution exposure and the likelihood of dyssomnia prevalence.

We systematically searched three databases for studies on air pollution and dyssomnia up to January 15, 2024. Random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Subgroup analyses, funnel plots, and meta-regression analyses were also performed.

There were 11 studies from 4 different nations that involved 3,328,183 participants in total. The odds ratios (ORs) for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 1.29 (1.16-1.44) and 1.13 (1.03-1.23) per 10 µg/m³ increase in pollutants, respectively. The OR per 10 µg/m³ increment of gaseous pollutants were 1.06 (1.00-1.12) for NO₂ and 1.16 (1.04-1.31) for O₃. No significant association was observed between SO₂ and dyssomnia. Adults are more sensitive to air pollution than children or adolescents for that the effects of PM_2.5、PM₁₀ and SO₂ were significantly stronger in adults than children or adolescents. The effect of air pollution on dyssomnia was more significant in developed countries than in developing countries. There was a difference in the subgroup test for PM₁₀ between developed and developing countries.

This meta-analysis implies the relationship between the air pollution and dyssomnia. Economic status and age may influence the effect. It was suggested to provide guidance for disease prevention and explored potential avenues for further research.