Green space and its impact on mental health and sleep
Official title: Green Space, Mental Health and Sleep
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11450468 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study from Brown University will look at how outdoor greenspace relates to how well kids and adults sleep and feel mentally across different ages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $813,632 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MD016241-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450468 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals across all ages who live in communities with varying levels of greenspace and are affected by anxiety or sleep issues.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to greenspace or those not experiencing sleep or mental health concerns may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores whether places with more greenspace are linked to better mental health and sleep in people from infancy through adulthood. It uses AI-based methods to analyze data and identify patterns related to TNF-α and other biological markers in relation to exposure to outdoor vegetation. The work aims to understand disparities in access to greenspace and how this affects health outcomes for diverse communities. Results could guide urban planning and public health efforts to improve well-being through greener neighborhoods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform policies to create healthier living environments that support better sleep and mental health for children and adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows associations between greenspace and health, but this study aims to clarify mechanisms and disparities using AI methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grigsby, Diana Sylvia — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Grigsby, Diana Sylvia
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.