World Sleep Day 17 March - Australians Have Officially Put A Price On A Good Night’s Sleep

Tired Aussies are willing to spend up to $363.34 to get a good night’s sleep, if it will silence them or their bed partners' snoring, according to research released this month[1].

The study of 2,000 Australian adults found 64 per cent either snore or have a partner who does, with 58 per cent of those resorting to a host of tricks to try and silence the noise. 40 per cent of those who snore or live with a snorer are so fed up with the noise, they would do anything to stop it.

The research, commissioned by www.mutesnoring.com and executed in partnership with WebMD and One Poll as part of the new 2023 Annual Snoring & Sleep Report, revealed the top hacks used to beat snoring include using extra pillows, drinking water before bed – and sleeping top-to-tail with their head at the end of the bed.

Nasal strips, dilators or spray, a hot shower before bed and even sleeping sitting up also featured in the top list of snoring hacks. Others have resorted to taping their mouth, eating mints or sleeping with a humidifier.

 

Olivia Arezzolo, Australia’s leading sleep expert and ambassador for nasal dilator Mute, said, “Snoring can be so disruptive to our sleep - and with little awareness of effective tools, such as nasal dilators, many people suffer in silence (or there lack of when the snoring is bad).

“Whether you are the snorer, or the person who has to put up with the noise from a bed partner or room mate, it can have a huge impact on your sleep, relationship and life generally.

“And because of this there are some who are willing to do whatever it takes to put a stop to it.”

Nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) would even consider surgery in a bid to bring an end to the habit.

While 32 per cent have ended up sleeping in separate bedrooms, and 13 per cent have resorted to sleeping tablets. For a few (one per cent) it got so bad, they have had a relationship end because of one of them snoring.

The global study, carried out via OnePoll, also found that in a bid to stop snoring, 32 per cent have turned to the internet for advice, while 15 per cent have gone to friends and family.



And 29 per cent have even sought help from health professionals. Although 63 per cent admitted they have simply come to accept that it’s never going to go away.

Michael Johnson, CEO of Melbourne based Rhinomed, the makers of nasal dilator Mute said, “Sleep is fundamental for one’s physical, mental and social well-being so when snoring starts to interrupt our sleep and sleep deprivation ensues it can have health repercussions that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

“This year our global report has delved deeper into the snoring and sleeping habits across the UK, USA and Australia and shows that we have a universal issue.

“There are millions of people around the world who are affected by snoring, and it doesn't have to be something we have to simply put up with. There are various options out there which can help to relieve it, and we know that freeing up the airways to help your breathing while you sleep can really help truly deliver a quieter night’s sleep for both snorers and their bed partners.”

Mute, the nasal dilator, has been shown to help snorers; particularly those with night-time nasal congestion or nasal obstructions. In a user trial, 75% of partners reported snoring was less/much less when the snorer used Mute.[2]

Designed by Australian medical experts, Mute comes in three sizes - small, medium, and large (RRP $29.99). Every package contains three adjustable devices that each last for 10 nights. To find your correct size, start with the trial pack. Available from select pharmacies or online at www.mutesnoring.com, prices start from $19.95.

Olivia’s 5 top tips to reduce snoring 

1. Reduce alcohol intake - Alcohol is a prime risk factor for snoring: it relaxes the muscles in the upper airways, causing them to collapse through the night and amplify snoring.⁣
   
    
2. Sleep on your side - By sleeping on your back, you exacerbate snoring - however, sleeping on your side can also help. 
   
    
3. Ensure you are at a healthy weight - weight reduction for those carrying excess weight can improve snoring - so much so that in some cases, symptoms can be eliminated. 
   
    
4. Consider a nasal dilator - for a simple, straightforward solution, nasal dilators such as Mute should be considered - their clinical trials indicate snoring can be reduced by 75%; and that 78% of users reported breathing easier at night. 
   
    
5. Improve air quality. Well ventilated, purified air reduces the risk that snoring is due to pollution and airborne critters that may offset allergies - which can otherwise lead to irritated airways, congestion and amplify snoring. 

States with the most snorers (percentage of the population who snore)

 

1. Western Australia (66 per cent)
2. Queensland (65 per cent)
3. Victoria (65 per cent)
4. Tasmania (63 per cent)
5. New South Wales (63 per cent)
6. Northern Territory (63 per cent)
7. South Australia (62 per cent)
8. Australian Capital Territory (45 per cent)

Top hacks people have tried to stop snoring 

1. Using extra pillows        
2. Drinking more water      
3. Nasal strips/ dilator        
4. Nasal spray before bed
5. Avoiding alcohol before bed
6. Avoiding alcohol completely (i.e. not just before bed)       
7. Rubbing decongestant onto your chest before bed          
8. Hot shower or bath before bed   
9. Sleeping sitting up
10. Sleeping the other way round e.g. head at the end of the bed

ENDS 

For further information about nasal dilator Mute, requesting a sample or to speak to one of our local experts contact mia@eyepr.co.uk (Mob:+61 (0) 411 053 369) or kate@eyepr.co.uk. 

Note to Editors

Mute is made by leading Australian nasal airway technology company Rhinomed, whose headquarters are based in Melbourne, Victoria. Mute seeks to radically improve the way you breathe, sleep, maintain your health and take medication. Its patented nasal technology leverages the physiology of the nose to optimise our breathing which is essential to restful sleep and to maintaining good health. Rhinomed’s vision for the future is to enable medications to be administered through the nose with the aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the therapies, while seeking a reduction in side effects for patients. The Australian company continues to invest in furthering our knowledge of the role the nose, the upper airways and the olfactory system plays in maintaining health and wellness.

[1] OnePoll study as part of a global sleep research incl 2,000 Australian Adults (Nationally Representative) 29 November to 13  December 2022

[2] 2014 Mute user study, 114 couples.