Nocturnal road traffic noise: a review on its assessment and consequences on sleep and health
Abstract
Research on the impact of nocturnal road traffic noise on sleep and the consequences on daytime functioning demonstrates detrimental effects that cannot be ignored. The physiological reactions due to continuing noise processing during night time lead to primary sleep disturbances, which in turn impair daytime functioning. This review focuses on noise processing in general and in relation to sleep, as well as methodological aspects in the study of noise and sleep. More specifically, the choice of a research setting and noise assessment procedure is discussed and the concept of sleep quality is elaborated. In assessing sleep disturbances, we differentiate between objectively measured and subjectively reported complaints, which demonstrates the need for further understanding of the impact of noise on several sleep variables. Hereby, mediating factors such as noise sensitivity appear to play an important role. Research on long term effects of noise intrusion on sleep up till now has mainly focused on cardiovascular outcomes. The domain might benefit from additional longitudinal studies on deleterious effects of noise on mental health and general well-being.
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Neighborhoods that are active at night may directly impact sleep through environmental noise and light.
“There is substantial literature showing that environmental noise228,229 and light230–233 can adversely impact sleep and that neighborhoods that are active at night may directly impact sleep through these.”
From Sleep, Health, and Society (2017) · cites this paper as [228]
Environmental noise can adversely impact sleep.
“There is substantial literature showing that environmental noise228,229 and light230–233 can adversely impact sleep and that neighborhoods that are active at night may directly impact sleep through these.”
From Sleep, Health, and Society (2017) · cites this paper as [228]
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“…green space, weather, and traffi c and other noise) (Astell-Burt et al., 2013; Buxton et al., 2012; Elmenhorst et al., 2012; Pandey et al., 2005; Pirrera et al., 2010), family and relationship factors (Ailshire & Burgard, 2012; Lallukka et al., 2013; Rhoades et al., 2012; Rogojanski et al.,…”
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“Research shows that noise has become the most serious form of environmental pollution in Europe, and road traffic noise is the main factor in noise pollution [66].”
Background
- Authors
- Pirrera, S., De Valck, E., & Cluydts, R.
- Affiliations
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (BE)
- Corresponding author
- Pirrera, Sandra
- Venue
- Environment International
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2010-07
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 492-498
- ISSN
- 0160-4120 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1996160252
- Cited by
- 246
- References
- 66
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 14
- FWCI
- 3.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Environment International (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- VUBIR (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Speech and Hearing › Noise Effects and Management
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Automotive Engineering › Vehicle Noise and Vibration Control
- Keywords
- sleep disorders, sleep quality, noise exposure assessment, noise sensitivity, daytime functioning, cardiovascular effects of noise, mental health, well-being
- MeSH terms
- Humans, Noise, Transportation, Dyssomnias
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