Sensing the impact of extreme heat on physical activity and sleep

Abstract

Introduction This study assesses the person-specific impact of extreme heat on low-income households using wearable sensors. The focus is on the intensive and longitudinal assessment of physical activity and sleep with the rising person-specific ambient temperature. Methods This study recruited 30 participants in a low-income and predominantly Black community in Houston, Texas in August and September of 2022. Each participant wore on his/her wrist an accelerometer that recorded person-specific ambient temperature, sedentary behavior, physical activity intensity (low and moderate to vigorous), and sleep efficiency 24 h over 14 days. Mixed effects models were used to analyze associations among physical activity, sleep, and person-specific ambient temperature. Results The main findings include increased sedentary time, sleep impairment with the rise of person-level ambient temperature, and the mitigating role of AC. Conclusions Extreme heat negatively affects physical activity and sleep. The negative consequences are especially critical for those with limited use of AC in lower-income neighborhoods of color. Staying home with a high indoor temperature during hot days can lead to various adverse health outcomes including accelerated cognitive decline, higher cancer risk, and social isolation.