A research team investigated the effects of aircraft noise on sleep using data from activity trackers and surveys. The study found that higher noise levels were connected to poorer sleep quality as measured by activity monitors. While noise did not significantly reduce sleep duration, it was linked to an increased likelihood of reporting sleeplessness.
Nighttime aircraft noise is associated with poor sleep quality and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, according to a recent study that utilized movement tracking technology.
Environmental health specialists at the University of Leicester integrated data from activity trackers and self-reported sleep surveys to create a comprehensive analysis of how aircraft noise affects sleep. This research represents the largest investigation of its kind to date.
Results published in Environmental Health Perspectives indicate that individuals exposed to high levels of nighttime aircraft noise reported increased restlessness during sleep and disruptions in their daily sleep patterns, even if they achieved a full night’s sleep.
The study was spearheaded by the University of Leicester’s Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, in collaboration with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, University College London, Imperial College London, and City St George’s, University of London. Researchers utilized the UK Biobank, a significant national study originally focused on the relationship between genetics and health, and analyzed data from over 80,000 individuals living near four major airports (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham) in England. Recruitment for this study was not contingent on proximity to airports or prior concerns about aircraft noise, minimizing bias from those already sensitive to such issues.
To assess sleep quality, the researchers employed wearable devices, roughly the size of a wristwatch, that monitored movements during sleep—a technique called actimetry. This data was gathered from about 20% of participants between 2013 and 2015. Additionally, they incorporated data from questionnaires filled out between 2006 and 2013, where participants provided insights into their sleep quality, sleep duration, and daytime napping habits.
Lead author Xiangpu Gong, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Leicester, noted: “By leveraging both wearable devices that detect sleep movement and self-reported questionnaires, we were able to build a more thorough understanding of individuals’ sleep. The devices offered objective data about sleep quality and patterns, while the questionnaires gave us insight into personal perceptions of sleep.”
The exposure to aircraft noise for each participant was estimated using noise maps developed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. These maps depicted the aircraft noise levels (in decibels, dB) recorded in 2011 around the airports, which were then matched to the participants’ residential locations. Sleep patterns of those facing higher noise levels, defined as an average of 55 dB or more at night, were compared with those experiencing levels lower than 45 dB. The analysis took into account various factors affecting sleep, such as age, sex, ethnicity, income, physical activity, and environmental conditions.
Participants exposed to higher levels of nighttime aircraft noise (55 dB or above) displayed increased movements during sleep, indicative of sleep disturbances. Those affected by high noise levels also experienced irregular sleep-wake cycles, suggesting a less consistent daily sleep pattern, despite not spending significantly different amounts of time in bed.
Xiangpu elaborated: “Our findings imply that nighttime aircraft noise correlates with restless sleep and disrupted sleep-wake cycles, indicating a relationship between exposure to nighttime aircraft noise and sleep disturbances. Poorer sleep, as measured by actimetry, has been linked with greater risks of mental health disorders, diabetes, obesity, and even increased mortality.”
“The significant takeaway for the public is that higher nighttime aircraft noise correlates with compromised sleep quality, even when individuals may not be consciously aware of it. Disturbances in sleep can have lasting health implications, highlighting the need for policies aimed at mitigating aircraft noise pollution.”
Anna Hansell, Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at the University of Leicester, led the research. Professor Hansell, who receives funding from the National Institute for Health and Social Care (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), remarked: “What sets this study apart is its scale and the combination of sleep data obtained from wearable devices with self-reported information. Previous studies mostly depended on people’s recollections of their sleep, which can often be inaccurate. In contrast, actimetry offers a more objective measurement, freeing participants from the need to remember their sleep habits.”
“Interestingly, while our study showed that exposure to nighttime aircraft noise was linked to poorer sleep (increased movement and irregular sleep-wake cycles), the actual length of sleep did not seem to be affected.”
“It raises concern that increasing demands for more night flights at airports could lead to greater nighttime aircraft noise, potentially exacerbating sleep disturbances and impacting overall health.”
The associations between aircraft noise, sleep patterns, and sleep-wake cycles were published in Environmental Health Perspectives, based on actimetric data from the UK Biobank cohort around four major airports.
