Do People Living in Noisy Cities Have Less Quality Sleep?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The collective evidence strongly suggests that people living in noisy cities experience reduced sleep quality. Traffic noise, in particular, is a significant factor contributing to sleep disturbances. Additionally, individual sensitivity to noise and certain personality traits can exacerbate the impact of environmental noise on sleep. Addressing noise pollution and implementing preventive measures could improve sleep quality and overall well-being for urban residents.

The impact of environmental noise on sleep quality has been a subject of extensive research, particularly in urban settings where noise pollution is prevalent. This synthesis aims to consolidate findings from multiple studies to determine whether people living in noisy cities experience reduced sleep quality.

Key Insights

• General Impact of Noise on Sleep Quality
  • People living in noisy urban areas report significantly more sleep disturbances, including difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and poorer overall sleep quality compared to those in quieter areas2 3 5 9.
  • Increased noise levels at night are associated with lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep onset latency, and more frequent awakenings8.
• Specific Sources of Noise
  • Traffic noise, including road and aircraft noise, is a major contributor to sleep disturbances. Higher levels of traffic noise correlate with increased sleep disturbances and poorer sleep quality2 6 7.
  • Wind turbine noise has also been linked to increased odds of sleep disturbance and reduced quality of life10.
• Subjective Noise Sensitivity
  • Individuals with higher subjective noise sensitivity and neuroticism are more likely to experience sleep disturbances in noisy environments2 4 9.
• Health and Psychological Effects
  • Chronic exposure to high levels of environmental noise is associated with various health complaints, including headaches, nervousness, and fatigue, which can further degrade sleep quality3 4 9.
• Perception and Reporting of Noise
  • The subjective perception of noise plays a significant role in reported sleep disturbances. People who perceive their environment as noisy report higher levels of sleep disruption6 7.

Do people living in noisy cities have less quality sleep?

Raphael Vallat has answered Likely

An expert from University of California, Berkeley in Sleep Research, Neuroscience, Neuroimaging

This question has been extensively discussed in a 2009’s World Health Organization report, as well as this review. The short answer is that environmental noise does indeed induce sleep disturbances, such as longer sleep latency, earlier morning awakening, increased sleep fragmentation; which are in turn associated with changes in brain activity and body physiology. In simpler words, sleep is less restorative.

However, this is still a relatively under-studied area, and the impact of noise exposure on sleep likely depends on a complex interaction between the noise characteristics (loudness, regularity, frequency, etc…), the individual sensitivity to noise and external stressors, and the context of the living environment. Furthermore, future studies are needed to determine the long-term effect of noise pollution on sleep and health.

That said, whether you live in New-York or a rural area, below are a few tips to maximize your sleep environment (from healthysleep.med.harvard.edu):

A quiet, dark, and cool environment can help promote sound slumber. […] To achieve such an environment, lower the volume of outside noise with earplugs or a “white noise” appliance. Use heavy curtains, blackout shades, or an eye mask to block light, a powerful cue that tells the brain that it’s time to wake up. Keep the temperature comfortably cool—between 60 and 75°F—and the room well ventilated. And make sure your bedroom is equipped with a comfortable mattress and pillows.