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Housing crowding and sleep health in urban China: A mediation analysis of psychosocial pathways using nationally representative data

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  • Yan, Zhen

Abstract

As critical determinants of population health, housing conditions and sleep quality are deeply interconnected within social ecological systems. Using data from the 2022 China Family Panel Studies, this study examined how housing crowding affects individual sleep duration and explored potential psychosocial mechanisms. The results revealed three key findings. First, after controlling for individual social covariates, individuals experiencing housing crowding were more likely to exhibit abnormal sleep duration. Second, subjective well-being and self-perceived social status partially mediated the relationship between housing crowding and sleep duration. Third, significant heterogeneity was observed across homeownership groups—homeowners and non-subsidy recipients were more susceptible to crowding-induced abnormal sleep duration compared with renters and subsidy beneficiaries. The findings highlight the need to prioritize housing space improvements to enhance sleep health, provide psychological support to crowded households, promote diversified criteria for evaluating social status, and strengthen government subsidies. Expanding the role of the government in addressing housing crowding could help mitigate sleep-related health issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan, Zhen, 2025. "Housing crowding and sleep health in urban China: A mediation analysis of psychosocial pathways using nationally representative data," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 384(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:384:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625008548
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118523
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