Aircraft noise exposure and objective sleep quality in the population living near airports in France

Background: Aircraft noise has been shown to have adverse effects on health and particularly on sleep. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between aircraft noise exposure and objective sleep quality in the population living near airports in France. Methods: Actimetric measurements were performed during eight nights to evaluate sleep quality of 112 participants in terms of total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake time and sleep efficiency. Simultaneously, acoustic measurements were performed inside and outside (at the façade) the participants’ bedroom in order to estimate integrated indicators as well as the number of noise events. Logistic regression models were used with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: Integrated indicators as well as the number of noise events were significantly associated with objective sleep quality: increased levels or numbers of aircraft noise events increased time to fall asleep and total wake time, but decreased sleep efficiency. Unexpectedly, they also increased total sleep time, and time in bed, and delayed get up time. These latter results can be interpreted as an adaptation mechanism to sleep deprivation. Conclusion: Noise event indicators have been shown to be more often associated with sleep disturbances than integrated indicators.