Sleep disturbances caused by road traffic noise

In the last 15–20 years, there has been an increased use of new and less expensive methods, e.g., body motility techniques (awakenings, arousal), and questionnaires (perceived sleep quality, aftereffects) in studies of noise‐induced sleep disturbances, both in laboratory settings and large‐scale field studies. Studies on road traffic noise indicate that LAmax levels of 45 dB may increase the time to fall asleep by 7 to 15 min. Recent studies show an acute increase in number of body movements irrespective of LAmax levels from road traffic noise and there is a significant increase of number of awakenings above 55 LAmax in the average population. Noise‐sensitive groups react at 5 dB lower levels. Aftereffects of noise‐disturbed sleep (reduced perceived sleep quality and increased tiredness or sleepiness during the day) have been found among the average population after acute and chronic exposure to road traffic noise at LAmax levels around 50 dB. Noise‐induced sleep disturbances may also lead to lower psycho...