When noise stops being background: advice for dealing with neighbour noise

On International Noise Awareness Day (26th April) and in the lead up to Noise Action Week (11–15 May) Jim Nixon, anti-social behaviour expert at RHE Global, reflects on something many of us take for granted until it is taken away from us - peace and quiet.

Like many people who travel regularly for work, I spend a significant amount of time in hotel rooms. Most stays blur into one another: a clean room, a comfortable bed, and, importantly, a quiet night’s sleep. It’s something I rely on more than I probably realise. Sleep, after all, is not a luxury — it’s essential. Recently, however, that expectation was shattered.

During a stay in East London, I experienced something many people face not just for a night, but day after day. The room next to mine became a source of constant disturbance. Loud arguments echoed through the walls. Doors slammed. Visitors came and went at all hours. Music played late into the night — or rather, early into the morning — not stopping until around 4am. The result was predictable. Broken sleep. Frustration. Exhaustion.

I am someone who needs a solid eight hours to function well. That night, I got nowhere near it. The following day was a struggle — mentally foggy, physically drained, and far less effective than I needed to be. But what stayed with me most was not just the tiredness. It was the realisation. If one night could have such an impact, what would it feel like to live like that all the time?

For many people, this isn’t an isolated incident. It’s their everyday reality. Persistent noise nuisance is more than an annoyance. It is a genuine public health issue. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to sleep deprivation, increased stress levels, anxiety, and even long-term cardiovascular problems. It disrupts not only rest, but also relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. Yet, too often, the seriousness of noise is underestimated. It becomes background. Something to tolerate. Something that will “probably stop soon”. But what if it doesn’t?

What if your home — the place that should feel safest — becomes a source of constant disruption? My experience, brief as it was, has strengthened my resolve. It has reinforced just how important it is to take noise complaints seriously and to act quickly when they arise. No one should feel powerless in their own home.

This is where practical tools can make a real difference. Solutions like The Noise App give people a way to document disturbances as they happen, creating clear, time-stamped evidence that can be shared with local authorities or housing providers. It transforms a subjective complaint into something tangible and actionable. And that matters. Because behind every noise complaint is a person — or a family — whose wellbeing is being affected.

International Noise Awareness Day is not just about raising awareness. It is about recognising the real human impact of excessive noise and ensuring it is treated with the urgency it deserves. A single sleepless night reminded me of something important: quiet is not just comfort — it is health. And it is something worth protecting.

What can you do if you are experiencing neighbour noise?

If noise is affecting your day-to-day life, it’s important to approach the situation in a way that gives you the best chance of resolving it, and protects your own wellbeing in the process.

1. Sense-check the situation
Before taking action, take a moment to assess what’s happening. Is this occasional, everyday living noise, or something persistent and unreasonable? Our myth-busting guide “When is noise a nuisance?” (available on the Noise Action Week homepage) can help you better understand what would qualify as unreasonable noise. Being clear on this helps you respond proportionately and credibly.

2. Address it early, and calmly
If the noise feels unreasonable, and you feel safe doing so, a calm, respectful conversation with your neighbour can often resolve things quickly. Often we do not realise the noise we are making and its impact on others. Choose the right moment, not in the middle of the disturbance!

3. Be clear about what needs to change
Vague complaints can lead to defensiveness. Instead, explain clearly what the issue is (e.g. loud music late at night, repeated disturbances), explain its impact on you and what would help resolve it.

4. Keep a record
If the problem continues, start documenting it. Note dates, times, the type of noise and its impact on you e.g. “loud music playing from 3pm - 10pm, could not hear the TV”. This creates a clear picture of the pattern and strengthens your position if you need to escalate the issue.

5. Use tools that support your case
Apps like The Noise App allow you to record disturbances as they happen, producing verified, time-stamped evidence. This can be shared directly with councils or housing providers, helping them take informed action.

6. Know when to escalate
If direct communication doesn’t work, contact your local authority or housing provider. Many councils have dedicated processes for handling noise complaints and can investigate when there’s sufficient evidence.

Get involved this Noise Action Week

Noise Action Week (11–15 May) is an opportunity to highlight why noise matters for our health and wellbeing, and to push for better awareness and action.

• Explore the myth-busting guide “When is noise a nuisance?” to better understand what qualifies as a statutory nuisance (available to download from the Noise Action Week homepage)

• If you’re dealing with problems with barking dogs, Noise Action Week has dedicated guidance available to help you take the right steps

• Visit the Noise Action Week homepage for resources, guidance, and more ways to get involved

Header image credit: © Dragana Gordic via Adobe Stock