Influence of Noise Exposure, Emotional Stress, and Lifestyle Behaviors on Sleep Quality among Workers in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17322328

Sleep quality has emerged as a vital component of occupational health and overall productivity, yet it remains strongly influenced by environmental and psychosocial factors that are often underestimated in workplace health research. Among these, exposure to persistent environmental noise, heightened emotional stress, and certain lifestyle behaviors have been identified as key contributors to sleep disruption. The present study investigated how environmental noise exposure and selected sociodemographic variables affect sleep quality among workers in Bauchi State, Nigeria, and further examined the emotional and behavioral responses associated with noise perception. A cross-sectional online cohort study was carried out between August 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024, involving 369 participants from three distinct noise exposure settings: a quiet university campus, a mixed residential and commercial area, and an industrial zone. Data were obtained through a structured online questionnaire incorporating the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and self-reported assessments of noise exposure, emotional reactions, and coping behaviors. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS version 26, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results indicated that 61.5% of participants experienced poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). Elevated noise levels and prolonged daily exposure were significantly associated with delayed sleep onset, shorter sleep duration, and greater sleep disturbances. Emotional strain was widespread, with 80% of respondents reporting moderate to high stress and more than half (54.8%) describing frequent irritability attributed to noise. Unhealthy behavioral patterns, such as nighttime phone use (36.3%) and irregular sleep schedules, further compounded these problems. Overall, the findings reveal a strong and multifaceted relationship between environmental noise, emotional wellbeing, and behavioral habits in shaping sleep outcomes among workers. Reducing noise pollution, promoting stress-management strategies, and reinforcing good sleep hygiene practices are crucial measures for improving occupational health and productivity in such environments.