Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise and cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbance—results from a pooled analysis of human field studies

Objectives: A series of human field studies demonstrated that acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise is associated with cardiovascular complications and sleep disturbance, including endothelial dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and impaired sleep quality. A pooled analysis of these results remains to be established and is of tremendous interest to consolidate scientific knowledge. Methods: We analyzed data from four randomized crossover studies (published between 2013 to 2021 and conducted at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany). A total of 275 subjects (40.4% women, mean age 43.03 years) were each exposed to one control scenario (regular background noise) and at least to one traffic noise scenario (60 aircraft or train noise events) in their homes during nighttime. After each night, the subjects visited the study center for comprehensive cardiovascular function assessment, including the measurement of endothelial function and hemodynamic and biochemical parameters, as well as sleep-related variables. Results: The pooled analysis revealed a significantly impaired endothelial function when comparing the two different noise sequences (0–60 vs. 60–0 simulated noise events, mean difference in flow-mediated dilation −2.00%, 95% CI −2.32; −1.68, p < 0.0001). In concordance, mean arterial pressure was significantly increased after traffic noise exposure (mean difference 2.50 mmHg, 95% CI 0.54; 4.45, p = 0.013). Self-reported sleep quality, the restfulness of sleep, and feeling in the morning were significantly impaired after traffic noise exposure (all p < 0.0001). Discussion: Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal traffic noise is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased mean arterial pressure, and sleep disturbance.