Association between indoor noise level at night and objective/subjective sleep quality in the older population: a cross-sectional study of the HEIJO-KYO cohort

This study explored the effect of indoor night noise on sleep quality in older adults (≥60 years) using objective measures like actigraphy and subjective questionnaires. Results showed that higher noise levels negatively impacted sleep efficiency, increased sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep fragmentation. The findings suggest that reducing indoor noise could improve sleep quality and reduce risks of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for quieter sleeping environments.

To improve sleep, older adults should aim to minimize night noise in their bedrooms by using noise-canceling measures such as soundproofing, white noise machines, or reducing indoor sources of noise. This recommendation is based on a cross-sectional study, so while the findings are significant, causality cannot be firmly established. Individual factors like health conditions should also be considered.