NEWS COPY
If you want to stay on someone’s good side, try not to bother them when they are trying to sleep or are just waking up.
And, as an extra precaution in the morning, wait an average of 17 minutes or so after they have had their first cup of coffee before attempting a conversation.
According to a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Hush, makers of noise-blocking ear plugs, 44 percent said that they are most upset when interrupted by others while trying to get some shut eye.
Second on the list was being bothered while watching a movie in a theater. The next three choices in order: Being disrupted while using a computer, reading a book or magazine and concentrating at work.
As for the time of day when most would like to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign, bedtime ranked first followed by relaxing in the evening and getting out of bed in the morning.
“Sleep is a precious commodity to most people,” says Daniel Lee, co-founder and CEO of Hush. “After a stressful day filled with emails, texts and phone calls, many just want to shut out the world for a while. The last thing they need is for something or someone to disrupt them during that sacred time.”
According to many respondents, there is nothing worse than being roused just as you are about to fall into a deep slumber. As one survey taker said, “Sleep comes hard for me and to have to 'start over' falling asleep after I've been disturbed really irks me and just makes it that much more difficult to get to sleep.”
As for who or what is likely to be doing the disturbing, a spouse or significant other was named as the likely culprit by nearly half of the respondents followed by a son or daughter. And who welcomes a call from a telemarketer, especially when they are about to doze? Not many, since they came in third.
Rise-and-shine time can also prove dicey. On average, most people would prefer to wait 25 minutes before having to communicate with anyone after getting out of bed. And add in an extra 6 to 15 extra minutes for 40 percent of the survey takers if they have just consumed their first coffee fix of the day.
Besides the bedroom, the office is another danger zone when it comes to disturbing someone. On average, most survey takers would appreciate at least a half hour to themselves at the start of the workday before they have to interact with co-workers. Nearly 20 percent, however, would appreciate more than an hour before being approached.
At least the recovery time after a lunch break is briefer – an average 20 minutes is preferred before co-workers come calling.
“Not everyone has a separate office where they can retreat at work,” says Lee. “You have to find a way to cope since it is often hard to avoid hearing other people’s conversations or other noises.”
Then again, there are times when people don’t mind engaging with others, with more than half welcoming such interaction at a family gathering or a party. And hanging out with other people is an enjoyable part of being on vacation for 40 percent of the survey takers.
Of course, there are ways to block those who can’t take a hint that you want to be left alone. Not answering the phone is the most common practice for more than half of the respondents. Avoiding eye contact, which ranks second, often does the trick. Simply telling someone that now is not a good time is No. 3. Just ignoring a talker came in fourth while avoiding busy areas is fifth.
Close to half turn to devices to muffle any disturbance. Music players are most popular followed closely by earbuds. Noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs are tied for No. 3, with noise machines that play relaxing sounds coming in No. 4.
“Noise happens,” says Hush’s Lee. “It is part of being human. But too much can affect the quality of your life. The trick is to find a way to manage it so it becomes more tolerable. “
When Americans prefer to be left alone:
- While trying to sleep
- Seeing a movie in a theater
- While using a computer
- Reading a book or magazine
- Concentrating at work
- Watching TV/ Traveling on a train or a plane (tie)
- Working out
- Eating alone
Who is most likely to bother you when you don’t want to be interrupted?
- Spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend
- Son or daughter
- A telemarketer
- A friend
- A stranger
- A parent
- A co-worker
- A salesman at the door
- A boss
- A fellow passenger
ENDS