The Impact of Mining Activities on the Sleep Quality of Adjacent Residential Areas (Case Study: Gold Mine)

Abstract Sleep, as a complex neural state, is crucial for restoring the body's energy levels and encouraging rest. Few studies have investigated the effects of mining on mental health, especially on the quality of sleep in residential areas near mines. This study seeks to identify these effects and consequences as thoroughly as possible. External physical factors can influence sleep patterns, leading to disturbances that manifest as sleep disorders. Sleep disorders are prevalent clinical issues, adversely affecting overall health, safety, and quality of life by disrupting natural sleep patterns. Inadequate or non-restorative sleep can disrupt normal physical, mental, social, and emotional functioning. The primary approach to addressing sleep disorders involves identifying their root causes and dealing with the associated conditions. This study explores sleep disorders arising from mining activities, focusing on the impact of explosions on residents near gold mines in Iran. Conducted over one month, the research aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. After collecting data through this standardized questionnaire, analysis was conducted using SPSS26 and Mplus softwares. Results from the questionnaire analysis revealed that 72.5% of individuals residing in the mining area reported experiencing sleep disorders. Significant differences in PSQI indices between men and women were identified, suggesting that women in the studied rural area perceived mining activities as significantly impacting their sleep quality and daily functioning. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in sleep quality indices between singles and married participants, except for the use of sleep-inducing medications among employed and unemployed groups in the study community. Noteworthy, many workers, particularly those from the rural male population employed in mining, face various harmful factors such as explosions and noise, potentially contributing to the impact of mining on residents in the area. The study results can inform the development of effective strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of mining.