The influence of nocturnal road traffic noise on sleep. Day by day variability assessed by actigraphy and 7-day sleep logs : preliminary findings

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are regarded as one of the most deleterious consequences of nocturnal noise exposure. Increased sleep latency and awakenings, a decrease in sleep quality and a greater sense of fatigue are only a few examples. However, the consequences not only affect the sleep period itself, but also compromise daytime functioning, causing impairments in mood, performance and general well-being. In this field study, we assessed the objective and subjective sleep quality of people living in areas with a high density of road traffic noise in the Brussels area. 12 volunteers were asked to wear an actiwatch during night time and completed a 7-day sleep log in the morning. Sleep parameters, Time in Bed (TIB), Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Latency (SL),Wake after sleep onset (WASO) and Sleep Quality (SQ) were assessed from both instruments and compared using a correlational analysis. Road traffic noise was measured inside and outside the bedroom during 7 nights using integrator Class 1 & 2 Sound-Level Meter (Metravib). LAeq (22h-08h) of those 7 nights are presented. Finally, as an example, one case study is presented in order to demonstrate the weekly variations in sleep when exposed to road traffic noise.