0774 Meteorological Determinants of Sleep Architecture

Abstract Introduction Meteorological phenomena such as temperature, humidity, and cloud cover can influence sleep architecture. Environmental factors can impact circadian rhythm, sleep continuity, and overall sleep quality. However, research examining this relationship is limited, especially among Black adults. Those relationships are important for individuals who live in urban areas such as New York City (NYC) and South Florida, where heat exposure, humidity, and other meteorological conditions may support or disrupt healthy sleep duration and sleep schedules. This study examines the meteorological determinants relating to sleep architecture among Black adults living in NYC and South Florida. Methods The dataset comprised 363 participants (mean age 48.2 ± 14.8 years; 73.3% female) who completed demographic surveys and provided self-reported location data. Meteorological exposures were derived by linking self-reported location with NASA POWER datasets. Participants wore the Sleep Image Ring for one week to assess sleep architecture, including the percentage of time spent in REM sleep and stable/unstable NREM sleep. Four meteorological variables were evaluated: mean temperature, mean humidity, mean precipitation, and mean cloud cover. Covariates included age, sex, employment status, marital status, income, and location. Data were harmonized between the two studies before conducting planned analyses. Data visualization and analysis were conducted using R Studio (version 2025.09.2+418.pro4). Results Four statistically significant associations were identified. Each 1-unit increase in total precipitation was associated with a 0.20-percentage-point increase in REM sleep percent (β = 0.204, SE = 0.078, p = 0.009). Greater cloud cover was associated with higher REM sleep percentage (β = 0.038, SE = 0.017, p = 0.029) and lower stable NREM sleep percentage (β = −0.112, SE = 0.051, p = 0.031). Higher relative humidity was associated with a greater percentage of unstable NREM percent (β = 0.344, SE = 0.166, p = 0.039). No significant associations were observed for temperature. Conclusion Cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation were identified as being meteorological determinants of sleep architecture. Environmental exposure can influence sleep architecture among Black Adults and highlights the need for further research considering the critical role of the meteorological context within which sleep-health research is conducted. Support (if any) NIH (R01AG067523, R01HL142066)