Exposure-response relationship of wind turbine noise with self-reported symptoms of sleep and health problems: A nationwide socioacoustic survey in Japan

Takayuki Kageyama, Takashi Yano, Sonoko Kuwano, Shinichi Sueoka, Hideki Tachibana, Takayuki Kageyama, Takashi Yano, Sonoko Kuwano, Shinichi Sueoka, Hideki Tachibana

Abstract

The association of wind turbine noise (WTN) with sleep and physical/mental health has not been fully investigated. To investigate the relationship of WTN with the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of sleep and health problems, a socioacoustic survey of 1079 adult residents was conducted throughout Japan (2010-2012): 747 in 34 areas surrounding wind turbine plants and 332 in 16 control areas. During face-to-face interviews, the respondents were not informed of the purpose of the survey. Questions on symptoms such as sleeplessness and physical/mental complaints were asked without specifying reasons. Insomnia was defined as having one or any combination of the following that occurs three or more times a week and bothers a respondent: Difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, premature morning awakening, and feeling of light overnight sleep. Poor health was defined as having high scores for health complaints, as determined using the Total Health Index, exceeding the criteria proposed by the authors of the index. The noise descriptor for WTN was LAeq,n outdoor, estimated from the results of actual measurement at some locations in each site. Multiple logistic analysis was applied to the LAeq,n and insomnia or poor health. The odds ratio (OR) of insomnia was significantly higher when the noise exposure level exceeded 40 dB, whereas the self-reported sensitivity to noise and visual annoyance with wind turbines were also independently associated with insomnia. OR of poor health was not significant for noise exposure, but significant for noise sensitivity and visual annoyance. The above two moderators appear to indicate the features of respondents who are sensitive to stimuli or changes in their homeostasis.

Figures

Appendix
Appendix
Figure 1
Figure 1
Odds ratio (95% confidential intervals) of insomnia for noise exposure categories. Odds ratio was calculated in reference to noise exposure levels 35 dB and below, adjusted for age and sex
Figure 2
Figure 2
Modification of noise sensitivity with respect to relationships between wind turbine noise and sleep disturbance
Figure 3
Figure 3
Stepwise logistic regression analysis of insomnia in WT sites odds ratios (95% confidential interval) of insomnia adjusted for other variables. LAeq,n values for 40 dB and below, absence of visual annoyance with wind turbines, and nonsensitive to noise are reference categories

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