The relation of nocturnal exposure to aircraft noise and aircraft noise-induced insomnia with blood pressure

INTRODUCTION Nighttime environmental noise exposure leads to unconscious stress reactions and autonomic arousals. These may disturb overnight sleep and the diurnal blood pressure (BP) profile, contributing to an increased risk of developing hypertension. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic nighttime exposure to aviation noise on sleep disturbances and the relationship with annoyance and the BP profile. PATIENTS AND METHODS Based on acoustic maps, we selected 2 groups of normotensive participants: exposed (n = 48; mean age, 50.9 years; 29 women) and unexposed (n = 50; mean age, 49.7 years; 35 women) to nocturnal aircraft noise. We collected anthropometric and demographic data using a standardized questionnaire. Insomnia symptoms were evaluated using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). In both study groups, we performed office BP measurements and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. RESULTS Noise-exposed participants showed distinctive sleep disturbances, higher AIS scores (4.3 vs 2.3; P = 0.01), and an increased insomnia risk (odds ratio, 2.62; P = 0.046). With increased noise annoyance, a higher AIS score was observed (PANOVA = 0.02). Noise-exposed individuals had higher diastolic BP at night than those unexposed (64.6 mm Hg vs 61.7 mm Hg; P = 0.03). Insomnia among noise-exposed participants resulted in higher 24-hour (115.2 mm Hg vs 122.2 mm Hg; P = 0.03) and nighttime (103.7 mm Hg vs 112.2 mm Hg; P = 0.02) systolic BP. A significant interaction was noted between aircraft noise exposure and the AIS score. The association of the AIS score with 24-hour systolic BP (P = 0.048) and pulse pressure (P = 0.04) was stronger in the exposed group. CONCLUSIONS The study results may indicate different pathomechanisms affecting BP in terms of nighttime noise and noise-related insomnia.