Manmade sounds have been found to interfere with the positive impact of being in a natural environment.
Researchers from the University of the West of England said existing research showed that natural sounds, like bird noises, could reduce blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates.
This new research showed these positive impacts could be stifled by sounds like traffic noise. Such manmade sounds tended to lift stress and anxiety levels.
In the new study, 68 student volunteers listened to three-minute soundscapes – one natural and another with traffic sounds at different speeds.
“The study found that listening to a natural soundscape reduced self-reported stress and anxiety levels, and also enhanced mood recovery after a stressor,” a report published in PLOS said.
“However, the benefits of improved mood associated with the natural soundscape was 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 report said reducing traffic speeds in cities was an important step towards more people experiencing the positive effects of nature on their health and wellbeing.
The full report is on the PLOS website.
