Research shows that the sound of traffic increases stress and anxiety

Man-made noises, such as car traffic, can mask the positive impact of natural soundscapes on people’s stress and anxiety, according to a study published on November 27, 2024 in the open access journal PLOS ONE by Paul Lintott of the University of the West of England, UK, and Lia Gilmour of the Bat Conservation Trust, UK

Existing research shows that natural sounds, such as birdsong, can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, as well as self-reported stress and anxiety. Conversely, anthropogenic soundscapes, such as traffic or aircraft noise, are thought to have negative impacts on human health and well-being in a variety of ways.

In the new study, 68 student volunteers listened to three 3-minute soundscapes: a nature soundscape recorded at sunrise in West Sussex, UK, the same soundscape combined with road traffic sounds at 20 miles per hour, and the same soundscape at 40 miles per hour. traffic sounds. General mood and anxiety were assessed before and after the soundscapes using self-report scales.

The study found that listening to a natural soundscape reduced self-reported stress and anxiety levels, and also improved mood recovery after a stressor. However, the mood benefits associated with the natural soundscape were limited when traffic sounds were included.

The natural soundscape alone was associated with the lowest levels of stress and anxiety, with the highest levels reported after the soundscape, which included 60 kilometers per hour traffic.

The authors conclude that reducing traffic speeds in urban areas can impact human health and well-being, not only through its safety implications, but also through its effect on natural soundscapes.

The authors say: “Our research shows that listening to natural soundscapes can reduce stress and anxiety, and that anthropogenic sounds such as traffic noise can mask potential positive effects. Lowering traffic speeds in cities is therefore an important step towards more people experiencing the positive effects. of nature on their health and well-being.”