Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sleep Sci 2024; 17(S 01): S1-S89
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1811914
Sleep Science Supplement 2024

Impact of Homelessness on Mental Health and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review

Autoren

  • Lucas Silveira Pinto

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Isadora Pereira do Nascimento

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Kamilla Villa Brocca

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Sara de Lima Bento

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Rayssa dos Santos da Silva

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Luciene Consulo Pascoalino

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Maria Jackellinne Ribeiro Maciel

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil

  • Mayson Antonio de Queiros Castro

    1   Universidade Nove de Julho, Mauá, SP, Brazil
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Keywords

homeless - mental health - sleep

Introduction: Homelessness is a significant factor contributing to the deterioration of mental health and sleep quality. Existing literature suggests that lack of stable housing exacerbates psychological distress and sleep disorders, both of which adversely affect quality of life. This study aims to review and synthesize recent evidence on the relationship between homelessness, mental health, and sleep, focusing on research published from 2019 to 2024.

Objective: 1. To assess how homelessness affects individuals' mental health. 2. To examine the impact of lacking shelter on sleep quality. 3. To identify interventions and best practices to mitigate adverse effects.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search was performed with the descriptors “homeless AND sleep AND mental health.” Selected studies were in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, published between 2019 and 2024. Inclusion criteria involved articles exploring the relationship between homelessness, mental health issues, and sleep, including reviews, observational studies, and clinical trials. The analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines to ensure quality and transparency in article selection.

Results: The review included 25 relevant studies. Key findings indicated that homelessness is strongly associated with worsened mental health, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, sleep-related problems, such as insomnia and fragmented sleep, were prevalent among the homeless. Interventions like temporary shelters and mental health programs showed partial effectiveness in improving these conditions, though long-term solutions are still needed.

Conclusion: Homelessness has a significant and adverse impact on both mental health and sleep quality. The combination of environmental stressors and lack of access to adequate care contributes to the decline in affected individuals' health. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to develop strategies that integrate psychological support and sustainable housing solutions. Public policies and targeted interventions are necessary to address these issues in a holistic and effective manner.


Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. September 2025

© 2025. Brazilian Sleep Academy. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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