How does excessive noise in the environment during sleep affect a person?

Excessive noise in the environment during sleep disrupts sleep patterns by causing frequent awakenings and transitional arousals between sleep stages. Noises can trigger the body's stress response, leading to increased heart rate and levels of cortisol, which can prevent individuals from reaching deeper and restorative stages of sleep. It interrupts the natural cycling through REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep stages, making it harder to achieve restorative rest and potentially leading to daytime sleepiness and cognitive impairments. Noisy environments may also hinder the ability to maintain a continuous sleep period, further affecting overall sleep quality. This understanding highlights the importance of a quiet sleeping environment for optimal rest and health.