The hum of generators: how it destroys health and what to do about it
21 November 15:07
ANALYSIS FROM 
Doctors are sounding the alarm: the lack of electricity and the hours-long operation of generators seriously affect the mental health of Ukrainians, exacerbating chronic diseases and general health. And this problem is even more serious than PTSD. And Ukrainians need to learn how to cope with it, and "Komersant Ukrainian" found out how.
Noise from a generator affects the body in the same way as any long-term mechanical noise, but often more strongly, because generators work for a long time, monotonously, and create vibrations. This causes noise irritation. This is especially true for those who are in close proximity to the generators, such as kiosk vendors or baristas in coffee shops. But even those who live near such a “noisy” facility or have to pass by working generators are also at risk. This is compounded by nervousness due to early twilight, difficulties with cooking if the stove is electric, and the cold in the room – all of which overlap. But the main factor is the aggressive noise that you have to endure for hours.
What does the roar of a generator do to the body?
According to a number of medical studies, generator noise, and they usually emit 60-75 dB, which is well above the safe level, has a serious impact on health.
1. Disrupts sleep
Noise above 40-45 dB at night disrupts: falling asleep, sleep depth, and quality of rest. Even if a person is “used to it”, the body is still in a state of constant tension.
Consequences: chronic fatigue, irritability, and impaired concentration.
2. Increases blood pressure and stress on the heart
Prolonged noise causes vasospasm, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate. In people with cardiovascular disease, noise can provoke: hypertensive crisis, arrhythmia, and increased symptoms of coronary artery disease.
3. Causes stress, anxiety, and nervous system disorders
Monotonous loud sound causes: irritability, nervousness, anxiety, and decreased performance.
In children and the elderly, these symptoms are more pronounced.
4. Impairs hearing
If the noise level exceeds 85 dB, there is a risk of decreased hearing sensitivity, tinnitus, and gradual hearing loss.
Some generators, especially diesel generators, reach 80-90 dB at close range.
5. Causes headaches and migraines
Noise stimulates the nerve centers and causes tension in the blood vessels of the brain, which leads to persistent headaches and exacerbation of migraines.
The generator produces low-frequency vibrations that can cause: discomfort, a feeling of pressure in the head, and deterioration of health during prolonged exposure.
6. Harmful to children
In children, noise causes: impaired speech development, problems with concentration, increased excitability, and sleep disturbances.
How to deal with the stress hormone
Today, our nervous system is under a lot of stress. With the constant noise of generators, cortisol is released. Cortisol is a stress hormone. But it also blocks the production of serotonin. And cortisol has a detrimental effect even for two or three days. Unfortunately, in our country, the roar of generators has not stopped for weeks, and it’s not over yet, says Dr. Svitlana Fedorova.
“Children can now study much worse, they do not memorize, do not perceive information. I would recommend reducing the workload for children during this period, giving them less homework, and lowering their requirements. It’s not enough that they go to school during the alarms, sit in cold classrooms and bomb shelters, and hear constant rumbling. It’s better to send them on vacation now and continue their studies in the summer. Because in this situation, the release of cortisol, both in children and adults, leads to massive anxiety-depressive and other mental disorders. And this leads to somatic diseases. Accordingly, immunity decreases, and it is difficult for those who have been ill to recover, and those who are ill now have a harder time with viral infections,” the doctor notes.
Employees in all sectors (especially where people are forced to listen to the hum of generators – even remotely – for more than an hour without interruption) need to urgently reduce working hours, introduce breaks in specially equipped rooms of silence, use white noise, etc.
“This is a real threat to get 99.99% of society with mental and somatic disorders.
And we have already started this process. PTSD or an epidemic of an infectious disease are child’s play and flowers compared to these conditions,” the doctor states.
Doctor’s advice
To reduce cortisol levels and protect yourself from the negative effects of noise, Svitlana Fedorova recommends the following methods:
Soundproof the room. Even carpets on the walls and floor and thick curtains will help here.
Isolation and relaxation. After being in a noisy environment, you need to spend time in a dark room and complete silence. Or listen to white noise – the sounds of nature, the sea, etc. It relieves stress and reduces the negative effects of cortisol.
Pets. Tactile contact with them helps a lot. Stroking a dog or cat reduces cortisol levels.
A good night’s sleep. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep. To do this, you can take 5 mg of melatonin, but 10 mg is better before bed.
Sports. Swimming is very good at reducing cortisol levels. Go to the pool at least once or twice a week, if possible.
Antidepressants. But they should be prescribed by a doctor individually.
It is recommended to check the level of thyroid hormones.
Among the drugs that can increase cortisol levels, the doctor recommends the following:
Omega-3, but it should be taken with caution by allergy sufferers and those who use anticoagulants;
Tenoten is a herbal medicine. The course is 2 tablets once a day for three months. Additionally, you can take 2 more tablets during stress;
Cognitum and other neuroprotectants.
It should be remembered that persistently elevated cortisol levels can lead to diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, etc. But, in fact, the noise of generators exacerbates many diseases.
Author: Alla Dunina
