13 of Manchester's noisiest boroughs ranked - this may surprise you

Studies have shown there is a strong link between poor sleep and lower levels of happiness. While the Mental Health Foundation have claimed that insufficient sleep can impair mood and cognitive function, leading to difficulties in concentration and decision-making. One thing that can ruin a good night's sleep is noise.

Urmston-based Bed Store submitted Freedom of Information Requests to Greater Manchester's boroughs to find out which residents are most at risk of having their sleep disturbed. It found over the past year there had been 14,222 noise complaints across Greater Manchester.

Quieter, suburban boroughs such as Bolton, Trafford and Oldham report the lowest levels of complaints, benefitting from lower population density, more green space, and fewer late-night venues. The quietest ward in the study was Hale Barns in Trafford, with just 5 complaints across a population of more than 10,000, fewer than 0.5 complaints per 1,000 residents.

At the other end of the scale, the City Centre wards of Piccadilly (553 complaints) and Deansgate (527 complaints) were by far the noisiest, reflecting their role as hubs of nightlife, traffic, and urban development. Manchester City Centre recorded noise complaints more than ten times higher than the quietest boroughs — making quality sleep far harder to achieve.

Adrian Brown, Business Director and sleep expert at Bed Store, offers his insight on this data and how residents of different areas can get the best sleep possible.

• "Mattresses & Bedding: A supportive mattress can lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, which is vital for mental health. Choosing the right mattress is not just about comfort; it’s about ensuring your body receives the support it needs for optimal recovery. Breathable, high-quality materials that regulate temperature and wick away moisture. Cotton or bamboo sheets are excellent choices. A good pillow can make a big difference.
• Blocking Noise: For those living in noisey areas, you could consider soundproofing your bedroom with heavy curtains or soundproof blinds. These can significantly block out external noise. You could add rugs or carpets as these absorb sound and reduce echoes, creating a quieter atmosphere. Earplugs can be very effective, especially for those living in noisier areas.
• Noise Masking: White noise machines, can make a real difference in drowning out unwanted sound. The consistent background noise can promote relaxation and help you drift off more easily.
• Bedtime Routine: Relaxing activities before bed, like reading or meditating, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. You should also consider imiting screen time and exposure to blue light in the hour leading up to sleep as this can inhibit melatonin production.
• Regular Routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, can greatly improve your overall sleep quality."