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Sleep disturbances caused by vibrations from heavy road traffic
P W Arnberg1, O Bennerhult, J L Eberhardt
1Road and Traffic Research Institute, Linköping, Sweden.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Heavy road traffic noise combined with whole-body vibrations significantly disturbs sleep and reduces REM sleep. Even moderate vibration levels, similar to those recommended for awake states, negatively impact sleep quality and morning performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Sleep Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Heavy road traffic generates significant noise and whole-body vibrations.
- These environmental factors can impact human sleep, sleep quality, and daytime performance.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the combined effects of traffic noise and vibration on sleep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of combined whole-body vibrations and traffic noise on sleep, subjective sleep quality, and performance.
- To determine the effects of different vibration exposure levels on sleep architecture, particularly REM sleep.
- To compare the impact of noise alone versus combined noise and vibration stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Controlled laboratory study involving male and female subjects (20-35 years).
- A specialized room was constructed with a vibrator table to simulate traffic-induced vibrations.
- Subjects were exposed to different levels of traffic noise and whole-body vibrations (vertical and horizontal) during sleep.
Main Results:
- Combined noise and vibrations disturbed sleep more than noise alone.
- Vibrations significantly reduced REM sleep, with greater disturbance at higher exposure levels (0.34 m/s² vertical, 0.24 m/s² horizontal).
- Subjective sleep quality decreased with higher vibration levels, and morning performance was affected at the higher vibration exposure.
Conclusions:
- Whole-body vibrations, especially when combined with traffic noise, significantly disrupt sleep patterns and reduce REM sleep.
- Vibration exposure levels near ISO-standard 2631 recommendations for the awake state can disturb sleep in humans.
- The findings highlight the detrimental effects of traffic-related environmental stressors on sleep health and daytime functioning.