Increased air pollution linked to more night-time coughing, UK-led study finds
A UK-led study, utilizing data from a commonly used sleep-tracking app, has found a significant link between increased air pollution and a rise in night-time coughing, which can disrupt sleep. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, analyzed anonymized data from 32 cities across 12 countries over 18 months, highlighting previously overlooked day-to-day symptoms of harmful emissions.
Why it matters
This research sheds light on a previously underestimated health impact of air pollution, suggesting that even seemingly minor symptoms like coughing can be directly linked to environmental factors and significantly affect daily well-being, potentially influencing public health policies and environmental regulations.
The research was carried out by examining coughing data recorded by a commonly used sleep-tracking app. The research was carried out by examining coughing data recorded by a commonly used sleep-tracking app. Pollutionwatch Air pollution Increased air pollution linked to more night-time coughing, UK-led study finds ‘Day-to-day’ symptom of harmful emissions, which in turn can disrupt sleep, can be overlooked, say researchers
Prefer the Guardian on Google New research has found that increased air pollution is associated with more night-time coughing, leading to disturbed sleep.
Most air pollution research looks at symptoms that are severe enough for people to seek medical help, but day-to-day symptoms can be overlooked. Prof Cecilia Mascolo, who led the study from the University of Cambridge, said: “I come from an area in Italy with very high pollution and I am very aware of its not-talked-about effects.”
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