The impact of green spaces on mental health and sleep in children

Green Space, Mental Health and Sleep

NIH-funded research Brown University · NIH-10864065

This study looks at how spending time in parks and nature can help kids sleep better and feel happier, using GPS to track their time outdoors, so we can learn how to support their mental health through more green spaces.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-10864065 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to green spaces affects the mental health and sleep patterns of children. By utilizing GPS technology, the study will measure how much time children spend in green spaces and how this correlates with their sleep duration, timing, and regularity. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these effects, including light exposure, physical activity levels, and stress reduction. The findings could provide insights into improving children's mental health through environmental changes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may be experiencing mental health challenges or sleep issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those who do not have access to green spaces may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and sleep quality for children by promoting the use of green spaces.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown positive associations between green space exposure and mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Providence, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.