How listening to natural sounds like birdsong reduces stress, while traffic noise increases it
Listening to nature sounds, such as birdsong, reduces stress levels, but the sound of traffic increases stress levels, new research shows.
The research offers support to anyone who strongly believes in the healing power of a walk in the countryside or through a forest.
In one study, 68 volunteers listened to three three-minute soundscapes: a nature soundscape recorded at sunrise in West Sussex, the same soundscape combined with road traffic sounds at 20 miles per hour, and the same soundscape with traffic sounds at 40 miles per hour.
General mood and anxiety were assessed before and after the soundscapes using self-report scales.
The research from scientists at the University of the West of England found that listening to a natural soundscape reduced self-reported stress and anxiety levels, as well as helping to restore good mood after experiencing stress.
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 40 mile per hour traffic.
The study is consistent with previous research that has found that sounds such as birdsong can lower blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, as well as self-reported stress and anxiety.
The research by scientists at the University of the West of England found that listening to a natural soundscape reduces self-reported stress and anxiety levels, as well as allowing a good mood to return after experiencing stress.
The benefits of improved mood associated with the natural soundscape were limited when traffic sounds were included
The authors conclude that reducing traffic speeds in urban areas can impact human health and well-being, not only through its safety implications (reducing traffic fatalities and injuries), but also through its effect on natural soundscapes.
The authors, writing in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, add: ‘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.
‘Reducing traffic speeds in cities is therefore an important step to allow more people to experience the positive effects of nature on their health and well-being.’
They added that their research highlights the importance of green areas in cities that are large enough to protect users from traffic noise and suggested that electric vehicles should also reduce stress from noise pollution as they are quieter than petrol and diesel alternatives.