The effect of high and low frequency noise on anxiety and sleep disorder in male rats

Environmental noise pollution can cause physical and mental disorders, especially in cities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Low-Frequency (LF) and High-Frequency (HF) noise on anxiety and sleep disorder in male rats.

Fifteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: 1) control group (no exposure to noise), 2) group exposed to low-frequency traffic noise (LF group), and 3) group exposed to high-frequency traffic noise (HF group). Sleep duration was monitored by CCTV. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM).

The results of the EPM test showed that time spent in the open arm was significantly lower in the HF group than in the control (P <0.05). Sleep duration was significantly lower in rats exposed to LF and HF noise (P <0.01). There was no significant difference in sleep duration between the HF and LF groups.

Exposure to high and low-frequency noise can reduce sleep duration and high-frequency noise can increase anxiety-like behavior in rats.