Lost Sleep and Jangled Nerves: The Rising Onslaught of Noise Harms Mind and Body - KFF Health News

A digital illustration in pencil and watercolor. A person’s face is half visible, from the nose up, in the center of the image. They cover their ears with their hands, and show an anguished expression. All around them are noise-producing objects. From clockwise starting on the bottom left; a leaf blower, airplane, ambulance siren, car with loud muffler, and an air horn. Jagged lines are animated to look like uncomfortable sound waves coming from all directions.

Lost Sleep and Jangled Nerves: The Rising Onslaught of Noise Harms Mind and Body

Noise pollution is a growing problem that isn’t confined to the ears: It can cause harm throughout the body. California is taking baby steps to address the increasing din from traffic and illegally modified cars, but public health experts urge lawmakers to act more boldly.