"Please Don't Snore While Sleeping": Controversy Over Bizarre Apartment Noise Complaint

A notice regarding complaints about snoring noise posted on an apartment bulletin board has sparked debate online.

Screenshot of the online community BobaeDream

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On April 17, a photo of an official notice written by an apartment building manager was uploaded to the online community BobaeDream.

The notice stated, "Since last year, multiple households in Building 108 have filed complaints about the inconvenience caused by snoring noise during nighttime and early morning hours (11:00 p.m. to 7:20 a.m.)," adding, "We ask for your cooperation in minimizing everyday noise during these hours out of mutual consideration." The notice continued, "If you are affected, please consider seeking help from a medical institution."

The poster commented, "The head of the resident representatives lives in Building 108, so it seems he can't sleep because of the snoring," and added, "After the residents' meeting ended, the notice was posted in the apartment elevator and on the bulletin board."

Snoring is a phenomenon in which the tissues around the uvula and soft palate vibrate as the airway narrows during sleep, producing noise. It occurs in 20% of men and 5% of women aged 30-35, but increases sharply among those aged 60 and older, affecting 60% of men and 40% of women. The main issue is that people who snore are usually completely unaware of the noise they make.

Online community capture

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Online reactions to the notice were divided. One user commented, "If snoring is loud enough to be heard, the problem is with soundproofing," and, "If you're that sensitive, you should live in a detached house." Others sympathized, saying, "Only people who experience inter-floor noise really understand," and, "You can't just dismiss it as being overly sensitive."

In the past, another apartment also posted a notice urging residents to be careful, as complaints had been filed about inter-floor noise from phone alarms and dog barking. That notice read, "In multi-family housing, walls and floors are shared with neighbors," and continued, "Please do not leave your phone on flat, hard surfaces like the floor or table," and, "Turn off your alarm as soon as it rings."

In the UK, an apartment resident once expressed their frustration after receiving a note saying, "The noise and vibrations from your washing machine are seriously affecting my quality of life," and asking, "Could you reduce the number of times you use your washing machine and dryer from four or five times a week to once or twice?"

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