Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise and cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbance—results from a pooled analysis of human field studies

Abstract

Objectives A series of human field studies demonstrated that acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise is associated with cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbance, including endothelial dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and impaired sleep quality. A pooled analysis of these results remains to be established and is of tremendous interest to consolidate scientific knowledge. Methods We analyzed data from four randomized crossover studies (published between 2013 to 2021 and conducted at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany). A total of 275 subjects (40.4% women, mean age 43.03 years) were each exposed to one control scenario (regular background noise) and at least to one traffic noise scenario (60 aircraft or train noise events) in their homes during nighttime. After each night, the subjects visited the study center for comprehensive cardiovascular function assessment, including the measurement of endothelial function and hemodynamic and biochemical parameters, as well as sleep-related variables. Results The pooled analysis revealed a significantly impaired endothelial function when comparing the two different noise sequences (0–60 vs. 60–0 simulated noise events, mean difference in flow-mediated dilation −2.00%, 95% CI −2.32; −1.68, p < 0.0001). In concordance, mean arterial pressure was significantly increased after traffic noise exposure (mean difference 2.50 mmHg, 95% CI 0.54; 4.45, p = 0.013). Self-reported sleep quality, the restfulness of sleep, and feeling in the morning were significantly impaired after traffic noise exposure (all p < 0.0001). Discussion Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased mean arterial pressure, and sleep disturbance.

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.…”

Preparation and application of high sound insulation polyurethane composite film through glass fiber reinforcement

“…In recent years, as the problem of noise pollution worsens, exposure to excessive noise has been associated with a range of symptoms and physiological reactions to psychological distress. [1][2][3][4][5] Therefore, soundproof laminated glasses have been widely used in buildings, physical protections, and vehicles because of their performance in ensuring confidentiality, sound insulation, and reducing energy loss. [6][7][8][9][10] Adding the thickness and number of glass layers could improve the sound insulation performance of the components, but it would also lead to augment cost and weight.…”