Provided by Osaka Metropolitan University

This figure illustrates how the researchers transformed ordinary Google Street View images (top) into detailed maps of urban features (bottom) using artificial intelligence. The AI identifies every pixel in an image as a specific object, such as buildings, trees, roads, sidewalks, vehicles, or people, allowing the researchers to automatically quantify the visual characteristics of neighborhoods. These measurements were then used to examine how different street environments relate to sleep health. Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University and Map Data Google

Your neighborhood's "streetscape"—the physical environment of your street—is something you have probably never consciously thought about, despite seeing it every day. But what if the streetscape was affecting you on a subconscious level and disrupting your sleep?

This question is posed by the findings of a study led by Professor Daisuke Matsushita of the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology at Osaka Metropolitan University.

The research team used AI to analyze more than 200,000 Google Street View images to identify visual neighborhood characteristics. They then linked these characteristics to the self-reported sleep of 1,089 working adults living on the lower floors of apartment buildings in Tokyo, who were most likely to be affected by the streetscape. The findings were published in Building and Environment.

Greener, enclosed streets linked to sleep

They found that those living in neighborhoods rated as having a stronger sense of safety tended to sleep longer and that this rating appeared to be shaped by the streetscape.

Generally, people slept longer in areas with lots of greenery, such as leafy trees, along the street. Similarly, high "enclosure"—meaning many tall vertical buildings and few wide-open spaces—was associated with longer sleep and fewer insomnia symptoms.

Walkability carried an unexpected downside

However, the study also made a surprising finding. The researchers found that highly walkable streetscapes, such as those with more sidewalks and traffic signs, were associated with a reduced sense of safety and shorter sleep duration.

This suggests that walkability does not always represent a reassuring environment. Instead, a possible explanation is that streets with extensive pedestrian infrastructure are often busier, more crowded and used by more strangers, which may be perceived as less safe or less relaxing than quieter residential streets.

A tool for healthier neighborhood design

"This study demonstrates the potential to evaluate streetscape characteristics across large geographic areas in a cost-effective manner," Dr. Matsushita said. "Based on the technique used in this study, cities could potentially measure perceived safety, beauty, liveliness and enclosure, as well as pollution and noise."

"We hope that opening up this new perspective creates further possibilities for designing healthier neighborhoods," he concluded.

More information: Xiaorui Wang et al, Urban eye-level landscapes and sleep health: Cross-sectional evidence from a megacity using machine learning for objective and perceptual assessment, Building and Environment (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2026.114711 study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.