Wind turbine noise impacts REM sleep quality, studies show

Research indicates that noise from wind turbines can impact sleep patterns, specifically affecting the REM phase. A Swedish study conducted by the WiTNES project at the University of Gothenburg found that simulated turbine noise at 32 dB caused participants to enter REM sleep an average of 16.8 minutes later than usual and shortened the duration of the REM phase by 11.1 minutes.

While physiological measurements showed subtle changes, participants reported a more significant decline in subjective sleep quality, feeling less rested than the objective data suggested. Additionally, researchers from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań noted that the sound of a 2 MW turbine can sometimes be perceived similarly to the soothing sound of ocean waves.