Review of Urban Mental Health

Abstract

Today, more than half the world’s population lives in cities. We know very little, however, about how city living affects mental health. There are aspects of the urban environment that may be harmful. One such example is traffic. A recent review found that living in close proximity to a major road increases the risk of developing dementia. Another example is artificial light at night that seem to alter the sleep-wake cycle and negatively affect sleep quality and mood. Lack of access to green areas may also contribute to the current high rates of mental illness.