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Robert T. Wilkinson

Bio: Robert T. Wilkinson is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Slow-wave sleep & Delta wave. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 68 citations.

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Improvements with double glazing were modest in degree, but as they occurred in three independent and predicted measures of sleep quality, the view is supported that the prevailing level of traffic noise does indeed impair sleep.
Abstract: Twelve people living in areas of high traffic noise were studied to assess its effect on their sleep. During 3 weeks, their sleep was monitored physiologically in the natural setting of their own bedrooms. Their performance and subjective report of sleep were recorded each day. For the middle week, the bedroom windows were double glazed to reduce the prevailing level of traffic noise at the bedside (Leq 46.6 dB(A) over the whole night) by an average of 5.8 dB(A). Most physiological measures were unaffected by the noise reduction, but stage 4 sleep and low‐frequency, high‐amplitude delta waves in the EEG, both thought to be signs of deep sleep, were increased. Also unprepared simple reaction time, a test sensitive to drowsiness, was improved the next day, whereas a more stimulating short term memory test was not. Subjects also reported sleeping better. These improvements with double glazing were all modest in degree, but as they occurred in three independent and predicted measures of sleep quality, the vie...

72 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Over the past 30 years, research into environmental noise and sleep has focused on different situations and environments, and therefore the findings are variable, but it still seems necessary for some fundamental questions to be answered on whether environmental noise has long-term detrimental effects on health and quality of life and, if so, what these effects are for night-time, noise-exposed populations.

672 citations

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TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the empirical evidence for sleep hygiene recommendations regarding exercise, stress management, noise, sleep timing, and avoidance of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and daytime napping, with a particular emphasis on their public health utility.

529 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evidence suggests that a number of adverse effects of noise in general arise from exposure to low-frequency noise: Loudness judgments and annoyance reactions are sometimes reported to be greater for low- frequency noise than other noises for equal sound-pressure level.
Abstract: The sources of human exposure to low-frequency noise and its effects are reviewed. Low-frequency noise is common as background noise in urban environments, and as an emission from many artificial sources: road vehicles, aircraft, industrial machinery, artillery and mining explosions, and air movement machinery including wind turbines, compressors, and ventilation or air-conditioning units. The effects of low-frequency noise are of particular concern because of its pervasiveness due to numerous sources, efficient propagation, and reduced efficacy of many structures (dwellings, walls, and hearing protection) in attenuating low-frequency noise compared with other noise. Intense low-frequency noise appears to produce clear symptoms including respiratory impairment and aural pain. Although the effects of lower intensities of low-frequency noise are difficult to establish for methodological reasons, evidence suggests that a number of adverse effects of noise in general arise from exposure to low-frequency noise: Loudness judgments and annoyance reactions are sometimes reported to be greater for low-frequency noise than other noises for equal sound-pressure level; annoyance is exacerbated by rattle or vibration induced by low-frequency noise; speech intelligibility may be reduced more by low-frequency noise than other noises except those in the frequency range of speech itself, because of the upward spread of masking. On the other hand, it is also possible that low-frequency noise provides some protection against the effects of simultaneous higher frequency noise on hearing. Research needs and policy decisions, based on what is currently known, are considered.

410 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is found from the present review that the continuous exposure of people to road traffic noise leads to suffering from various kinds of discomfort, thus reducing appreciably the number of their well-being elements.

410 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In assessing sleep disturbances, the domain might benefit from additional longitudinal studies on deleterious effects of noise on mental health and general well-being, as well as methodological aspects in the study of noise and sleep.

223 citations