The association between passive smoking and sleep quality in a Chinese hypertensive population: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION This study evaluates the association between passive smoking, specifically secondhand smoke (SHS) and thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure, and sleep quality in a hypertensive population. METHODS We enrolled 1427 eligible hypertensive patients from a 2022 national cross-sectional survey in China. Data on tobacco smoke exposure and sleep were collected via questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression and linear regression were employed to assess the relationship between passive smoking and sleep quality characteristics, as well as the correlation between passive smoking exposure characteristics and sleep quality. RESULTS Among 589 hypertensive patients with no tobacco smoke exposure, 679 exposed to SHS, and 159 exposed to THS, SHS exposure was associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors (β=0.10; 95% CI: 0.32-0.95). No significant relationship was observed between THS exposure and sleep quality. SHS exposure was associated with various sleep quality characteristics, including shorter sleep duration (AOR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.06-2.76) and increased frequency of 1-2 sleep disturbances per week (AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.26). Individuals exposed to SHS were more likely to experience poorer subjective sleep quality (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.07-2.21) and have sleep efficiency <65% (AOR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.22-2.71). Exposure to passive smoking at home, in the community, in public places, exposure to passive smoking with family and friends, and increased frequency of exposure, were all associated with a higher risk of poor sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that SHS exposure in hypertensive populations is associated with poor sleep quality and various characteristics of sleep quality. No significant association was found between THS exposure and sleep quality. These findings underscore the need to enhance tobacco control efforts in China, particularly for individuals with chronic diseases, to safeguard public health.