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My Neighbours Noise Is Making Me Ill (This might help)

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My Neighbours Noise Is Making Me Ill

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Excessive noise pollution can have negative impacts on physical and mental health, and one of the most common sources of noise pollution is from noisy neighbours. Sadly, I have heard too many people say ‘my neighbours noise is making me ill’ and if you are feeling the same, you need to take action.

Noisy neighbours can create a living nightmare and can quickly take over your life. If you’re experiencing excessive noise from neighbours, it’s important to address the problem to protect your health and well-being.

This blog post will explore the issue of noise pollution from neighbours and provide practical tips and advice for protecting yourself from excessive noise. It will cover the types and impacts of noise pollution, as well as noise pollution laws in the UK.

The post will also provide strategies for dealing with noisy neighbours, including soundproofing, wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and relocation as a last resort.

By the end of the post, you should have a better understanding of how to protect yourself from noise pollution and maintain good health and well-being.

Cause of Noise Pollution

Various causes of noise pollution can impact your health and well-being. Noisy neighbours are the most common source of noise complaints, and it can be especially frustrating because your neighbours have control over the amount of noise they make. The different types of noise pollution include:

Residential Noise Pollution: This type of noise pollution is caused by noise from residential areas, such as loud music, barking dogs, or noisy neighbours. It can be particularly challenging for individuals living in urban areas. This is usually the main source of noise that causes individuals to feel ill.

Industrial Noise Pollution: Industrial noise pollution is caused by noise from factories, construction sites, and heavy machinery. Workers in these environments are at risk of hearing loss and other health problems if they’re not adequately protected. There are different regulations in place to monitor and deal with noise from businesses.

Transportation Noise Pollution: This type of noise pollution is caused by noise from transportation sources, such as airplanes, trains, and cars. It can be particularly problematic for individuals living near highways, airports, or train tracks.

Consistent impact sounds are usually the type of noise pollution that lead to more serious health issues. Impact sounds include banging, pounding and thudding and these are generally worse than hearing neighbours music and talking.

Consistent exposure to any of the above types of noise can impact your health and make you feel ill.

If you are starting to feel like your health is affected by the neighbours noise, you need to take action before it gets worse.

My neighbours noise is making me ill

Impact of Noise on Health and Well-being

Long-term exposure to noise pollution can lead to different health issues such as hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disturbances. It can also cause stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Excessive noise from neighbours can affect your mental health and can cause you to feel ill. Here are some of the potential effects:

  1. Sleep disruption: Loud noise can disrupt your sleep and cause sleep disturbances. This can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and decreased productivity.
  2. Stress: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause stress and anxiety. This can have negative impacts on your mental and physical health.
  3. Hearing damage: Long-term exposure to loud noise can cause hearing damage and lead to hearing loss.
  4. Cardiovascular disease: Studies have found that exposure to excessive noise can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and coronary artery disease.
  5. Headaches: Loud noise can trigger headaches, particularly in those who are prone to migraines.
  6. Negative impact on quality of life: Living in a noisy environment can decrease your quality of life and affect your relationships with others.
  7. Depression and anxiety: With a combination of sleep deprivation and high-stress levels can result in depression and anxiety. Sadly, noisy neighbours affecting mental health is more common than you think.

Environmental Protection UK has some further information on the health issues that can be caused by exposure to excessive noise.

If you feel that your mental health is at risk and your neighbours noise is making you ill, you must seek advice from a medical professional.

My neighbours noise is making me ill

Understanding Noise Pollution Laws In The UK

If you are currently having issues with noisy neighbours, it is helpful for you to understand the relevant noise pollution laws in the UK:

Environmental Protection Act 1990

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 is the primary legislation governing noise pollution in the UK. It sets out the legal framework for controlling noise pollution and gives local authorities the power to issue noise abatement notices to individuals and businesses that are causing excessive noise.

Noise Act 1996 

Provides measures to address issues related to noise pollution, which can be relevant in cases where neighbour disputes involve issues related to noise levels or disturbances.

I have a separate blog summarising the Noise Act 1996 that might be of interest. You can read it here.

Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993

Provides measures to address issues related to noise and other nuisances that may arise from neighbour disputes.

Control of Pollution Act 1974

The Control of Pollution Act 1974 is another important piece of legislation that regulates noise pollution. It gives local authorities the power to take action against noise pollution from construction sites, industrial plants, and other sources.

Local Authority Noise Abatement

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing noise pollution laws in the UK. They have the power to issue noise abatement notices to individuals and businesses that are causing excessive noise. If the notice is not complied with, legal action can be taken.

Steps To Take When Dealing With Noisy Neighbours

If you find yourself saying “my neighbours noise is making me ill”, then you need to do something about it. Your health should be your number one priority.

Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

  1. Talk to your neighbour: Try to have a polite conversation with your neighbour about the noise issue. They may not be aware that their noise is causing a disturbance. Approach the situation calmly and explain how the noise is affecting you. Be specific about the type of noise, the time it occurs and how it affects you. You could follow this up with a letter. I have a sample letter that I have drafted that you can read here.
  2. Contact your landlord or property management: If you live in a rental property, reach out to your landlord or property management company to see if they can help address the issue. They may have specific policies in place to deal with noise complaints.
  3. Consider mediation: If you’re having trouble resolving the issue with your neighbour, you may want to consider mediation. A mediator can facilitate a conversation between you and your neighbour to find a solution that works for everyone. You can get free and quick quotes from Bark.com from local mediators.
  4. Keep a noise log: Document the times and duration of the noise disturbance in a notebook. This can help you provide specific information to the council if you need to make a noise complaint. Here is a guide to collecting evidence for a neighbour dispute, that I hope will be helpful.
  5. Contact the council: If the noise is extreme and continues to be a problem, you can contact your council, to make a noise complaint against your neighbour. They may be able to take action to reduce the noise level. I have a guide detailing how to complain about a neighbour to the council. You have a right to enjoy your home and your council must investigate the noise if it is unreasonable.
  6. Legal Advice: If you have tried the above and the issues haven’t been resolved, then you may need to seek legal advice. I usually say that legal action should be a last resort, but if your health is at stake, then it might be time to contact a solicitor. I have an article on when to instruct a solicitor in a neighbour dispute, that will hopefully be helpful.

“My neighbours noise is making me ill” – How To Protect Yourself From Noise Pollution

As we have established, exposure to noise pollution can harm your health, physical and mental and cause a significant amount of stress. Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of noise pollution.

By reducing noise levels in your environment, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of health problems associated with noise pollution.

In this section, we’ll explore effective methods for reducing noise pollution in your environment:

Soundproofing Your Home

If you’re experiencing excessive noise from neighbours, soundproofing your home can be an effective solution.

This involves adding materials to walls, ceilings, and floors to absorb and reduce noise.

Common soundproofing materials include mass-loaded vinyl, acoustic foam, and sound-absorbing curtains.

Soundproofing can be effective in blocking out noise if done properly. However, soundproofing can be expensive and may not be possible in all living situations.

Wearing Earplugs

Earplugs can be an inexpensive and easy way to protect yourself from excessive noise.

They work by blocking sound waves from entering your ears.

Earplugs come in different types and materials, such as foam, silicone, or wax. It’s important to choose earplugs that fit properly and don’t cause discomfort.

Loop earplugs are highly rated, you can find out more about them on Amazon.

earplugs for noisy neighbours

Noise-Cancelling Headphones or Ear Defenders

Noise-cancelling headphones are another effective way to protect yourself from noise pollution. They work by actively cancelling out external noise with sound waves of their own.

Noise-cancelling headphones can be expensive, but they provide high-quality sound and are useful for many different situations, such as commuting or working in a noisy environment.

I have the Beats Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones that I bought when I lived in a shared house.

Yes, they are an investment but they worked wonders and helped me sleep and concentrate when the house was noisy. Personally, sleep is important to me and so they were well worth the money.

I used to put an audiobook on from Audible (link to 30 day free trial) and they helped me sleep through the noise.

There are also some great books that guide you through dealing with stressful situations, such as noisy neighbours.

Ear defenders can also help block out noise.

I do have an separate blog on the top noise-cancelling headphones for noisy neighbours that you can read here.

Create Your Own Noise

Some individuals find that creating their own noise helps cover up the neighbours noise and stops you focussing on the nuisance noise.

You could try a dehumidifier, fan or white noise machine to muffle the noise.

White noise machine noisy neighbours

Relocation as a Last Resort

If you’ve exhausted all other options and have tried mediation, going to the council and seeking legal advice and the noise is still unbearable, relocation may be the only solution.

I loathe writing this, as I hate the thought that inconsiderate neighbours push people out of their homes, but if your health is impacted then it may be a last resort.

Moving to a quieter neighbourhood or a higher floor in a building can significantly reduce noise pollution.

However, moving can be a costly and disruptive process, and it’s important to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.

Protect yourself from noise pollution

How Can I Deal With Stress From Noisy Neighbours

Dealing with excessive noise from neighbours can take over your life, very quickly. When I had an issue with a noisy neighbour in the past, I found that it was all I thought about and I started to anticipate the noise, which was quite consuming and not healthy.

Here are some strategies that I found helped me to manage the stress of noisy neighbours:

  1. Practice relaxation techniques:

    Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help you calm your mind and reduce stress. Relax Melodies and Headspace app might help.

  2. Exercise regularly:

    Exercise releases endorphins that can help reduce stress and improve your mood. It will also get you out of the house, reducing the amount of time you are exposed to the noise.

  3. Get enough sleep:

    Adequate sleep is essential for reducing stress and improving overall health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a sleep-friendly environment. I appreciate that this can be difficult if your neighbours make noise at night.

  4. Seek support:

    Talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional/doctor about your stress. They can provide emotional support and help you develop coping strategies.

  5. Practice self-care:

    Take time for yourself to do things you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a relaxing bath. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax.

  6. Consider therapy:

    If the noise is causing significant distress, consider speaking with a mental health professional/therapist. They can provide strategies to help you manage your stress and improve your well-being. You can get quick and free quotes for therapy on Bark.com. I have personally used bark to get quotes and highly recommend it.

Noisy neighbours affecting mental health

Please note that I am not medically qualified and you should seek advice from your GP about your health.

It’s important to take care of yourself and address the issue as soon as possible. Taking action can help you reduce stress, as it will hopefully provide you with some hope of resolving the issue and provide an action plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, excessive noise pollution from neighbours can have a serious impact on your mental health and well-being. The constant noise can lead to stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other physical health issues. A

s we have seen in this post, there are several strategies you can use to protect yourself from noise pollution, including soundproofing your home, wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and even relocating as a last resort.

It’s important to be aware of noise pollution laws in your area and report any excessive noise to your local authority. Remember, you have a right to a peaceful and healthy living environment. So, if you find yourself saying “my neighbours noise is making me ill”, take action to protect your health.


I hope this article has been helpful and informative. Please share it with others who may find it useful, and feel free to leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Helpful Resources

Don’t let noisy and nuisance neighbours ruin your peace of mind – explore my resources page of recommended products and services designed to help you tackle common neighbour disputes and find the right solution for you.

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9 responses to “My Neighbours Noise Is Making Me Ill (This might help)”

  1. Joe avatar
    Joe

    The laws aren’t strong enough to deal with nuisance neighbours. In my case the council said the noise wasn’t bad enough yet it’s kept me awake for over 4 years. So it’s perfectly legal for neighbours to intrude on my life, ruining my health and it’s ignored by the one place that’s supposed to protect us.

    Legal action is only really available for those who have the time and money. There is NO help available anywhere. Even citizens advice are reluctant to help other than the standard “contact your local council”. It’s just round and round in circles.

    1. Carol Kemp avatar

      Hi Joe, I agree with everything you have said 100%. I’m confident that Kate started this blog with excellent intentions. It’s not all cut and dried, provided with feedback, ways can be found to improve the way these noisy people are dealt with. Do your noisy people, go away and leave the noise going?

      1. Kate N avatar
        Kate N

        I also agree that the laws and regulations are not good enough and don’t sufficiently protect people living with noisy neighbours. I started this blog in the hope that it will help someone, especially if they have no idea where to start.I appreciate you taking the time to read my blogs. Joe, have you tried making a formal complaint at the council? Kate

    2. jan f avatar

      Hi Joe, I can Empathise with you until the cows come home, we the decent tenants are left to deal with it, where is our rights in all of this? why is everything geared towards the perpetrators? “I get oh they may be under sicial workers”” as i say fk them because if this keeps up i will be 6ft under! My HO is as much use as a Chocolate Fireguard, he’s just a yes man and wants to be everybodies friend “I told him reall life aint like that” I just want to sleep with no bouncing ball being rapid above me (who buys a ball for a child to bounce in the house? oh wait they do) we have had weeks & weeks of great weather here in Glasgow & yet that child hasn’t been out in any of them, they have a Siesta about lunch time (they must be really really really tired) BLESS, thats them for 4/5 hrs then come alive tea time and right through ” I could go on but yous guys have your own stuff going on sorry for the rant” Wish 1 day in the near future the laws would change for us the decent people! Love, Light & Blessings to you all 🙏

  2. Phil Oxford avatar
    Phil Oxford

    Hey Kate, as you say “ I loathe writing this, as I hate the thought that inconsiderate neighbours push people out of their homes, but if your health is impacted then it may be a last resort.”
    There definitely ought to be more stringent actions that can be taken against selfish, pig-headed noisy neighbours!
    They wouldn’t entertain mediation so we were left with an “ignore each other” instruction! Not helpful when THEIR uncontrolled, inconsiderate noise disturbs our lives!
    Control your Kids noise levels, for heaven’s sake
    The frustration just builds and could lead to unnecessary reaction being taken.
    If a neighbour knocked on my door and asked our kids to drop their noise levels, I’d be embarrassed and the kids would be duly instructed. But we’re not supposed to talk to our neighbours now. So what do we do? Just put up with it? Not at all fair and unlikely to happen do conflict once again likely!
    Undoubtedly illegal, but helpful hands would be useful.
    Not fair

  3. Jacques avatar
    Jacques

    We have had banging on walls, items dropped repeatedly, cleaning between 4 &6 AM, bins being taken out between 5&6 AM, bathroom fan left on 24/7 for 2 months. Petflap with newly introduced 2nd dog, despite previous complaint in 2020 banging all day and waking us up from 05:00 each day for past 2 months.

    These are borderline (narcissist or psychopaths) personalities. That think it is a game they need to win, with no thought for others. In reality they are very thin skinned and easily triggered individuals who think the world owes them respect.

    1. Kevin Ramsbottom avatar
      Kevin Ramsbottom

      Noise at night
      In addition to nuisance noise, councils may also issue warning notices in response to complaints about noise above permitted levels from 11pm to 7am. These warning notices can be used by councils for noise that does not qualify as a statutory nuisance.

      Contact your council they must act by law 1990 and 1996 noise abatement act.

  4. Sandra avatar
    Sandra

    I would like to share my experience at the moment with my neighbour who is apparently running equipment for crypto currency mining over 12 hours during the night.
    The noise starts at 10:30pm and goes no stop till 8:30am, it is a kind of vibration and noise that comes from the walls, I can’t sleep over 2 weeks now and the noise and vibration is driving me crazy.
    I am already mentally not ok due to a lack of sleep, I have tried to speak to the neighbour and he was ignoring me, finally, I got a note from him saying he runs a “fan” for the past 11 years every day.
    We live in the UK, why does someone need a fan running every day during the night?
    Because of him, I am having panic attacks and anxiety crises. I thought of jumping from the window because of the noise, it was like sleeping inside a speaker.
    My ears I thought were gonna explode, and all these mental issues happening in my life right now didn’t have news to happen if he had empathy from my first note left on his flat on the third day of the noise when I found out it was coming from his flat.
    If I had a lawyer I would definitely sue him.

  5. Alan Wood avatar
    Alan Wood

    i have a next door neighbour who has been there for near 2 years..its like she hasnt stopped moving in yet..in the first year the first few mths apart from some build eork were ok..her young son who it seems lives in his room 24/7 comes alive at 10pm until about 1.45am..initially she mentioned to me if he makes a noise aft 11pm bang on the wall..doesnt work…he is wall to wall bedroom to me..i went round once at 8pm as i couldnt hear my tv..this was a syamping on floor whist he was no doubt gaming with headphones on..his mother wouldnt come to the door..he eventu did ..and was so ignorant he could barely apologise..his mother never commented on it since.now the night noise is ludicrous and i feel he had a screw loose…he will be talking at volume ..laughing ..dropping stuff…slamming doors ..doesnt hear me banging on the wall.or shouting..he sometimes talks to the mother who must herself have earphones on..i spoke to her she apologised and nout changed..the stupid most baffling thing is..she in past has bellowed at him so loud in daytime because he is lazy for it seems no reason..now though when she should be at her own wits end she just lets him get on with it..when the little xxxxxx goes back to school and needs to go to bed earlier i will start the noise as obv these peop ignorant or have an agenda against me.i have so much more to report not just about him but her also..she is lousy and the kid is having a bad upbringing..she has even pulled down our party fence next door and hasnt replaced it..its been 8 mths now.?? why.

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