Adolescent sleep disturbances and road traffic noise: a Swiss cohort study

Background Sleep is essential for adolescents’ health, yet research on transportation noise and adolescent sleep is limited. This study investigated the relationship between night-time road traffic noise exposure and self-reported sleep disturbances in adolescents, considering individual factors like noise annoyance and sensitivity. Methods A cohort of 887 adolescents (mean age 14.03 ± 0.86 years) was recruited in Switzerland, with follow-up after one year. Night-time road traffic noise exposure (Ln) was modelled at the most exposed façade of participants' residences using three-dimensional propagation models. Sleep disturbances, noise annoyance, and sensitivity were assessed via self-report questionnaires. Associations were examined using mixed logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders and environmental co-exposures. Longitudinal changes were assessed using the interaction between Ln and follow-up time. Results Participants' average Ln exposure was 44.6 ± 7.7 dB (range: 25.0–67.4). At baseline, 267 adolescents (30.3 %) reported being at least slightly annoyed by road traffic noise, and 205 (24.3 %) were highly noise sensitive. Higher Ln was associated with increased sleep disturbances, particularly at Ln ≥ 55 dB (OR vs Ln ≤ 44 dB = 2.43, 95 % CI: 1.20–4.91), and with higher odds of reporting at least slight annoyance (OR per interquartile range increase in Ln = 2.27, 95 % CI: 1.77–2.92). No changes in sleep outcomes were observed after one year in relation to noise exposure. Conclusions Road traffic noise was associated with increased self-reported sleep disturbances and noise annoyance in adolescents. These findings add to the growing evidence linking transportation noise to non-auditory health effects in youth.