A new study suggests that living on a noisy road significantly increases the risk of stroke, even when air pollution is minimal. Researchers advise taking practical measures such as moving to a quieter bedroom, sealing windows, or using high-performance glazing to reduce exposure to traffic noise, which can elevate stress levels and disrupt sleep.
The study analyzed traffic noise and air pollution around the homes of 26,723 Danish men aged 65 to 74 over four decades. Findings revealed that a 14.9 dB increase in traffic noise—roughly the difference between a quiet side street and a busy main road—was associated with a 12.4% higher risk of stroke. Homes near major roads, railways, or flight paths are typically even louder. Interestingly, the study found no significant link between stroke risk and long-term exposure to pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, or sulphur dioxide.
Lead author Dr. Stephan Mayntz of Odense University Hospital, Denmark, emphasized that chronic traffic noise—not just brief loud events—activates stress pathways and interferes with sleep, independently raising stroke risk. He urged urban planners and policymakers to prioritize noise reduction through traffic calming measures, night-time speed limits, noise-reducing asphalt, and rerouting heavy vehicles away from residential areas.
Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In the UK, more than 100,000 strokes occur annually, causing 38,000 deaths, making it the fourth-leading killer. In the US, over 795,000 people suffer strokes each year, with 137,000 fatalities. Many cases occur in people without traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, highlighting the importance of environmental factors like noise.
Chronic health issues linked to inflammation—including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and dementia—further exacerbate stroke risk. A major 2016 review by the American Society for Nutrition found that obesity and its related conditions significantly impair immune function and the body’s defense systems, compounding the impact of other risk factors.
In short, while managing diet and lifestyle remains crucial, reducing exposure to traffic noise is an important, often overlooked step in lowering stroke risk.
