Associations Among Noise Sensitivity, Insomnia, and Sleep Quality in Earthquake Survivors Residing in Container Homes

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationships among noise sensitivity, insomnia complaints, and sleep quality in earthquake survivors residing in container cities.

The study population comprised all adults residing in temporary shelters, and the sample consisted of 606 individuals. The cohort was subjected to power analysis (effect size = 0.28, α = 0.05, 95% confidence, and 0.95 power), and data were collected using the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS), the Basic Scale on Insomnia Symptoms and Quality of Sleep (BaSIQS), and a Descriptive Characteristics Form.

Sociodemographic factors, such as gender, marital status, occupation, perceived income, health status and parental status, were significantly correlated with insomnia complaints and sleep quality (P < 0.05). WNSS scores exhibited a positive correlation with age and container life characteristics, including challenges related to privacy and security, and exposure to noise from humans and vehicles (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between the participants' BaSIQS and WNSS scores, including the subscales of sleep onset and awakening problems (r = 0.125-0.147, P ≤ 0.002). Participants identified as noise-sensitive (WNSS ≥99) had a significantly higher number of insomnia complaints and poorer sleep quality than the noise-insensitive participants (P < 0.05).

Noise sensitivity is an important predictor of insomnia complaints and diminished sleep quality in earthquake survivors residing in container settlements. These results underscore the cumulative influence of environmental and psychosocial stressors on sleep in post-disaster temporary housing.