The habit costing Aussies three nights sleep a week

A global research report delving into the impact snoring is having on Australians' sleep and relationships has made a shocking discovery about just how much the habit is costing us.

The Global Snore CensuZZZ of over 2000 Aussies, commissioned by Mute Snoring, found nearly half of the population snores.

But what's even more worrying is, according to the research, snorers and their partners are losing a staggering three nights sleep a week because the noisy habit keeps them awake.

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"There is nothing more disturbing than lying there trying to sleep and all you can do is tune into your partner snoring next to you," Dr Ellie Cannon GP tells 9Honey.

"Thousands of us are very embarrassed by our snoring and will try anything to stop it. Whilst it may be amusing to some, it can have a huge impact on your life – whether you are the snorer, or a person living with a snorer.

"If we don't get enough sleep this can not only affect our mood or energy levels of course, but our physical health as well."

The study also revealed that of the Australian adults who snore, men are the biggest culprits, with 56 per cent of guys admitting to being a snorer, compared to just 43 per cent of women.

While those aged 45-54 are most likely to snore, followed by 35–44-year-olds and 25-34 year olds.

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The study also found 'a growl' is the most common way people have had their snoring described to them (21 per cent), while 11 per cent have been told it resembles a roar.

Others have had comparisons with a saw (10 per cent), thunder (8 per cent) and even Darth Vader (6 per cent).

But snoring has seen 43 per cent elbowed or kicked by their partner in bed in a bid to get them to stop, while 30 per cent have simply been woken up to quieten the noise.

Others have moved to a different room (25 per cent) or the sofa (17 per cent) to sleep or have used ear plugs (12 per cent).

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed a third (33 per cent) of adults think snoring is the most annoying noise when you are awake at night or trying to get to sleep.

Snoring is also top of the list of a partner's most annoying habits, ahead of leaving clothes lying around, spending too much time on their phone and saying something is fine when it's not.

For more than one in 10 (11 per cent), it has been so bad, they have even sought help from a medical professional for their or their partner's snoring.

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"Relationships can really struggle if one person – or even both – snore, as the results show," Dr Cannon says.

"You may think of it as being something that only affects you and your partner, but for those who feel embarrassed, it also impacts their holiday choices and even whether they travel on public transport."

The Aussie state with the worst snorers

Tasmanians are the worst snorers in Australia, according to the research that found 63 per cent of residents in the state keep their partners and housemates awake with the nocturnal noise – more than the 49 per cent national average.

But while it can sometimes be seen as a funny occurrence, half of Tasmanians who snore or live with a snorer have been left so tired it has affected their day-to-day life.

Of those, 56 per cent have snapped at someone and 28 per cent have forgotten something important.