The sound of traffic increases stress and anxiety, according to a study

Existing research shows that natural sounds, such as birdsong, can reduce blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, as well as self-reported stress and anxiety. In contrast, anthropogenic soundscapes, such as traffic or airplane noise, are hypothesized to have negative effects 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 dawn in West Sussex, United Kingdom, the same soundscape combined with sounds of traffic at 20 miles per hour, and the same landscape sonorous with 40 mile per hour sounds. 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-enhancing 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 that included 40 mile per hour traffic.

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

The authors add: “Our study shows that listening to natural soundscapes can reduce stress and anxiety, and that anthropogenic sounds, such as traffic noise, can mask potential positive impacts. Therefore, reducing traffic speeds in cities is an important step for more people to experience the positive effects of nature on their health and well-being.”