Acute Exposure to Simulated Nocturnal Train Noise Leads to Impaired Sleep Quality and Endothelial Dysfunction in Young Healthy Men and Women: A Sex-Specific Analysis

Abstract

A series of human field studies demonstrated that simulated nocturnal traffic noise exposure impaired sleep quality and endothelial function, which could be significantly improved after intake of vitamin C in case of endothelial function. However, it remains unclear whether these changes follow a sex-specific pattern. Thus, we aimed to analyze the effect of simulated nocturnal train noise exposure on sleep quality, endothelial function and its associated changes after vitamin C intake, and other hemodynamic and biochemical parameters in young healthy men and women. We used data from a randomized crossover study, wherein 70 healthy volunteers (50% women) were each exposed to one control pattern (regular background noise) and two different train noise scenarios (30 or 60 train noise events per night, with average sound pressure levels of 52 and 54 dB(A), respectively, and peak sound level of 73–75 dB(A)) in their homes for three nights. After each night, participants visited the study center for the measurement of endothelial function as well as other hemodynamic and biochemical parameters. Sleep quality measured via self-report was significantly impaired after noise 30 and noise 60 nights in both men and women (p < 0.001 vs. control). Likewise, endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was significantly impaired after noise 30 and noise 60 nights in both men and women (p < 0.001 vs. control). While in women, vitamin C intake significantly improved FMD after both noise 30 and noise 60 study nights compared to control nights, no significant changes were observed in men. Exposure to simulated nocturnal train noise impairs sleep quality and endothelial function in both men and women, whereas a significant improvement of endothelial function after noise exposure and vitamin C intake could only be observed in women. These findings suggest for the first time that in men other mechanisms such as oxidative stress causing endothelial dysfunction may come into play.

Noise annoyance and risk of prevalent and incident atrial fibrillation–A sex-specific analysis

“…The authors demonstrated in men who were exposed to higher levels of traffic noise (> 55 dB) compared to men who were exposed to lower traffic noise levels (< 30 dB) that sleep duration was significantly reduced by 1.5 h. Conversely, there was no effect of higher traffic noise exposure on sleep duration in women. Sex-differences in noise sensitivity may further arise from a recent study in which we demonstrated that a significant improvement of endothelial function after train noise exposure and subsequent vitamin C intake only occurred in women, although there was no difference in case of train noise-induced impaired sleep quality and endothelial dysfunction ( 37 ). This suggests that there may be differences in mechanisms causing endothelial dysfunction between men and women.…”

Environmental Exposome and Atrial Fibrillation: Emerging Evidence and Future Directions

“…For example, exposure to loud noise and noise annoyance act as stressors, activating the autonomic nervous system and triggering the release of stress hormones, leading to physiological changes that can trigger AF in susceptible individuals. 116 In studies involving healthy individuals and patients with CVD, short-term exposure to simulated aircraft and railway noise has been found to impair sleep quality and increase stress hormone levels, blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, 116,117 all of which have been linked with AF risk.…”

Modifiable Indoor Environmental Factors: Impact on Human Health and Digital Monitoring.

“…По результатам исследования FMD была значительно нарушена после ночей Noise 30 и Noise 60 как у мужчин, так и у женщин (p<0,001 по сравнению с контролем). С целью улучшения эндотелиальной функции пациентам давали витамин С, однако имело необнозначные результаты и давало положительный эффект только у женщин [78].…”