High noise levels are very common in preschools. In this study, the influence of noise on the heart rate variability of preschool teachers was investigated. Furthermore, suggestions are given on how the noise level in preschools could be reduced. By Sonja Brachtl, psychologist and preschool teacher Background The average sound level in preschools often exceeds […]
heart rate
Heart rate is a medically recognised stressor – Noise reduction gives teachers a significant long-term benefit
This is not new, however it is a fundamental aspect to consider when designing optimal sustainable indoor environments. By measuring/recording the heart rate of teachers, an indicator of stress was apparent in lessons and also over a longer more sustained period. Here is a short insight overview on stress as stated by ASA (American Heart […]
What happens when music is part of healthcare?
How we react to sounds, for instance in the form of music, depends on and is filtered through aspects such as the environment, our genes, and not the least, our previous experiences with music. Music that is important to us is usually, and quite naturally, music that we have heard in the past. Let´s look […]
Acoustic improvements lower teacher heart rate, voice levels and improve the general experience
Better acoustics in the classroom reduce the teacher’s heart rate, according to research by students at a leading technological institute in the Czech Republic. Negative stress leads to bad decisions and poorer performance. When we are under stress, our heart rate increases, which is a good measure of how stressed we are. Jana Dolejší, a […]
Noise at work bad for your heart
Noise at work significantly ‘heightens heart risk’ and makes you weigh and smoke more, study finds Working in a consistently noisy environment such as a factory more than doubles the risk of serious heart problems, research suggests. In the under -50s, the risk increases fourfold, the study warns, and young male smokers are also particularly […]
HTM 08-01 New UK acoustic guidance for healthcare
The new HTM gives Design Criteria for Room Acoustics in UK Healthcare Premises The document’s Executive Summary states “Noise can increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate and even blood cholesterol levels. Good acoustic conditions improve patient privacy and dignity and promote essential sleep patterns. Such conditions are key to healing” Recently published, it requires […]
