Association of Perceived Acoustic Environment Exposure and Nonrestorative Sleep with Cognitive Functioning Among Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Despite the growing emphasis on cognitive health, evidence regarding individual and environmental factors influencing cognitive functioning remains limited. We aimed to examine the association of personal and environmental factors, specifically perceived acoustic environment exposure and nonrestorative sleep, with cognitive functioning among Chinese adults. Between July and August 2022, we recruited 970 Chinese adults from all districts in Hong Kong for our cross-sectional study. Univariable and structured multiphase linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the contributory factors. Among 970 Chinese adults, the structured multiphase linear regression model revealed that being in their 30s (β = 0.160; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.315) and 40s (β = 0.186; 95% CI: 0.029, 0.343), being female (β = 0.095; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.173), being former smokers, and having medical consultations, medical histories (eczema, hearing problems, and insomnia), perceived acoustic environment exposure (traffic and mechanical sounds (β = 0.011; 95% CI: 0.008, 0.013), nature and music sounds (β = 0.004; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.007), and human sounds (β = 0.002; 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.005)), and psychological symptoms (perceived stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms) were associated with worse cognitive functioning. Moreover, more nonrestorative sleep (β = −0.015; 95% CI: −0.022, −0.007) was also associated with worse cognitive functioning. This study revealed that increased perceived acoustic environment exposure and a higher degree of nonrestorative sleep were associated with poorer cognitive functioning among Chinese adults. This underscores the need for public health strategies and policies aimed at fostering a healthy acoustic environment and promoting sleep hygiene education in the community. © 2025 by the authors.