Effects of Traffic Noise on Sleep in an Urban Population
DOI: 10.2478/10004-1254-60-2009-1962
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Summary
This study investigates the impact of urban traffic noise on sleep quality and examines the role of individual noise sensitivity as a potential confounding factor. Motivated by the recognition of urban noise as a significant environmental stressor and the substantial inter-individual variance in its health effects, the researchers aimed to quantify sleep disturbances in an urban population and correlate these disturbances with self-estimated noise sensitivity. The research employed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey design involving 911 adult residents of Niš, Serbia. Participants were categorized based on their residential location: those living on streets with a night equivalent noise level (Leq) greater than 45 dB(A) were classified as residing in "noisy" areas, while those with Leq ≤45 dB(A) were in "quiet" areas. Noise levels were measured using a Brüel & Kjær noise level analyzer at six sites. Data collection included demographic information, sleep characteristics (such as difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings, subjective sleep quality, tiredness, and medication use), and noise sensitivity scores derived from Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation, were used to compare groups and assess relationships. The results demonstrated that residents in noisy areas experienced significantly worse sleep outcomes compared to those in quiet areas. Specifically, noisy area residents reported higher rates of difficulty falling asleep (36.9% vs. 7.4%), night awakenings (27.6% vs. 6.9%), poor subjective sleep quality, and post-sleep tiredness (15.1% vs. 6.0%). They also used sleeping pills more frequently (28.3% vs. 17.4%) and kept windows open less often during summer. Furthermore, noise sensitivity scores were significantly higher in the noisy group. A strong positive correlation was found between noise sensitivity and various sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, time to fall asleep, poor sleep quality, tiredness, and sleeping pill usage. The study concludes that night traffic noise significantly deteriorates sleep quality in urban populations and that noise sensitivity is a critical factor influencing these effects. The findings support the implementation of the EU Noise Directive in Serbia, highlighting the need for noise reduction measures, particularly during nighttime hours. The authors suggest that future interventions should account for individual sensitivity traits, as approximately 20% of the population may be more susceptible to noise-induced sleep disturbances. Limitations noted include a low response rate, demographic differences between groups, and the lack of indoor noise measurements.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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