Review of the effect of aircraft noise on sleep disturbance in adults

Abstract

Noise exposure generated by air traffic has been linked with sleep disturbances. The purpose of this systematic review is to clarify whether there is a causal link between aircraft noise exposure and sleep disturbances. Only complete, peer-reviewed articles published in scientific journals were examined. Papers published until December 2010 were considered. To be included, articles had to focus on subjects aged 18 or over and include an objective evaluation of noise levels. Studies were classified according to quality. Given the paucity of studies with comparable outcome measures, we performed a narrative synthesis using a best-evidence synthesis approach. The primary study findings were tabulated. Similarities and differences between studies were investigated. Of the 12 studies surveyed that dealt with sleep disturbances, four were considered to be of high quality, five were considered to be of moderate quality and three were considered to be of low quality. All moderate- to high-quality studies showed a link between aircraft noise events and sleep disturbances such as awakenings, decreased slow wave sleep time or the use of sleep medication. This review suggests that there is a causal relation between exposure to aircraft noise and sleep disturbances. However, the evidence comes mostly from experimental studies focusing on healthy adults. Further studies are necessary to determine the impact of aircraft noise on sleep disturbance for individuals more than 65 years old and for those with chronic diseases.

Aircraft Noise and Psychological Ill-Health: The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in France

“…Many studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of exposure to aircraft noise on health, such as annoyance [5,6], sleep disturbance [7,8], cardiovascular diseases including hypertension [9,10,11,12,13], and alteration of cognitive performances among children [14,15]. The association between noise exposure and noise annoyance has been extensively investigated, and aircraft noise has been found to be the most annoying noise source among all transportation noise sources when standardized for noise exposure level [6].…”

Aircraft Noise Exposure and Subjective Sleep Quality: The Results of the DEBATS Study in France

“…Moreover, as underlined by the WHO recommendations on "Noise on health", airport noise may alter the ability of more vulnerable people to rest at night. Many studies have already been conducted on the effects of aircraft noise on sleep, and exposure to aircraft noise has been shown to disrupt sleep with an increased frequency of awakening, increased motility, decreased slow wave sleep, changes in sleep structure, use of sleep drugs or sedatives, a poor self-reported quality of sleep, an increased time for falling asleep, a decreased total sleep duration and an increased feeling of being tired while awakening in the morning (Jones & Rhodes, 2013;Michaud et al, 2007;Perron et al, 2012). However, the number of these studies investigating sleep duration is still limited and their results remain unclear (Perron et al, 2012).…”

“…Several studies have already been conducted on the effects of aircraft noise on sleep; however, most of these studies are cross-sectional, with few prospective studies (Michaud, Fidell, Pearsons, Campbell, & Keith, 2007;Perron, Tetreault, King, Plante, & Smargiassi, 2012). In 5 both laboratory and field studies, exposure to aircraft noise has been shown to disrupt sleep (Basner, Griefahn, & Berg, 2010;Passchier-Vermeer, Vos, Steenbekkers, van der Ploeg, & Groothuis-Oudshoorn, 2002;Perron et al, 2012).…”

“…In 5 both laboratory and field studies, exposure to aircraft noise has been shown to disrupt sleep (Basner, Griefahn, & Berg, 2010;Passchier-Vermeer, Vos, Steenbekkers, van der Ploeg, & Groothuis-Oudshoorn, 2002;Perron et al, 2012). Exposure to nighttime aircraft noise leads to an increased frequency of awakening, increased motility, decreased slow wave sleep, changes in sleep structure, use of sleep drugs or sedatives, and a poor self-reported quality of sleep (Perron et al, 2012). An increased time for falling asleep, a decreased total sleep duration and an increased feeling of being tired while awakening in the morning have also been reported (Passchier-Vermeer et al, 2002;Perron et al, 2012).…”

“…Exposure to nighttime aircraft noise leads to an increased frequency of awakening, increased motility, decreased slow wave sleep, changes in sleep structure, use of sleep drugs or sedatives, and a poor self-reported quality of sleep (Perron et al, 2012). An increased time for falling asleep, a decreased total sleep duration and an increased feeling of being tired while awakening in the morning have also been reported (Passchier-Vermeer et al, 2002;Perron et al, 2012).…”