Northeast residents are the worst snorers in the country, survey shows

NEW YORK — It’s true what they say, New Yorkers are loud – but not in the way you think! Americans in the Northeast are the worst snorers in the United States, according to a recent survey.

A study of 2,000 adults finds that 53 percent of residents in New York, Washington D.C., Connecticut, and the surrounding states keep their partners and housemates awake with their nocturnal noise more than any other region. While it can sometimes be seen as something to laugh about, 46 percent of adults who snore or live with a snorer in the Northeast are so tired that it has affected their day-to-day lives.

Of those, 25 percent have snapped at someone, and more than one in 10 (11%) have turned to high fat or sugary foods to keep them awake. Meanwhile, those in the West are least likely to snore, with just 47 percent admitting to the annoying habit.

Most Americans are ‘growlers’

Commissioned by nasal dilator brand Mute and conducted by OnePoll, the study also reveals that of 51 percent of U.S. adults who snore, men are the biggest culprits. In fact, 57 percent of guys admit to being a snorer, compared to just 46 percent of women. When it comes to age, the study reveals 59 percent of snorers are between 45 and 54; 56 percent are 35 to 44 years-old, and 54 percent are between 55 and 64.

The study also finds “a growl” is the most common way people have had their snoring described to them (21%). Another 16 percent have been told it resembles the sound of a saw. Other comparisons include a roar (10%), a train (10%), and even “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader (8%).

“Sleep is critically important for our physical and mental health,” explains the “Sleep Doctor” Dr. Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., a campaign ambassador for Mute, in a statement. “While snoring might seem like a light-hearted and funny occurrence, it can have a significant impact on the quality and length of people’s sleep, and it seems those in the Northeast are faring worse than most.

“If you are the one being kept awake by snoring, it can be infuriating and leave you struggling the next day due to the time spent trying to nod off. But it can also mean the person snoring is not getting the best quality sleep either, whether that’s from waking themselves up or from having their partner nudge them in the night,” Dr. Breus continues.

You’re getting on my nerves

Nudging, kicking, and elbowing are the most common actions partners of snorers take to quiet the noise (39%). The poll also finds 31 percent wake the snorer up while 23 percent move to a different room and 13 percent use earplugs.

These findings are perhaps not surprising, given the survey also shows that nearly a quarter (23%) of adults think their partner’s snoring is the most annoying noise when they are awake at night or trying to get to sleep.

Compared to other annoying habits by partners, snoring ranks at the top of the list (21%). It’s closely followed by leaving clothes and shoes lying around (20%) and spending too much time on their phone (20%). For nearly one in 10 (9%), the noise has been so bad they have even sought help from a medical professional for their or their partner’s snoring.

Snoring equals bad sleep

Snoring aside, the survey also revealed respondents get an average of fewer than six hours of sleep a night and 37 percent are unhappy with the quality of it. Americans also suffer disrupted sleep four nights per week.

“Snoring can be so disruptive to our sleep, whether we’re the snorer or our partner is,” adds John Ende, executive vice president at Rhinomed, the makers of nasal dilator Mute. “In fact, our global report, designed to get under the skin of snoring and sleeping habits across the U.K., U.S. and Australia, shows snoring is rattling nerves – and perhaps windows—in households around the globe.

“Millions of people worldwide are affected by snoring. Sadly, it is often regarded as something you have to put up with despite there being a wide range of solutions, many completely natural and drug-free, to help,” Ende says. “Freeing up the airways to improve your breathing while you sleep is one way some snorers — and their partners — can enjoy a quiet night’s sleep.”

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