Environmental noise and sleep disturbances: A threat to health?

This paper explores how environmental noise, particularly from transportation, negatively impacts sleep and overall health. Nocturnal noise disrupts sleep quality and structure by increasing wakefulness and reducing restorative deep sleep stages. It triggers stress responses, with elevated cortisol levels and heart rate, contributing to long-term risks like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and impaired cognitive performance. Noise exposure at night is particularly harmful as it causes fragmented sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, mood changes, and reduced productivity.

To enhance sleep quality and health, minimize noise in your sleeping environment by using soundproofing, white noise devices, or earplugs. Advocate for quieter community standards, especially near residences. While supported by robust observational evidence, individual sensitivity to noise varies, so adjustments should suit personal needs.