It has been found that nearly one in six Brits are relegated to sleeping elsewhere when hit with a cold.
The poll, surveying 2,000 adults, reveals a nightly migration in British households as nasal congestion dictates sleeping arrangements.
According to the research, 45% of those afflicted end up in the spare room, while a further 40% resort to the familiar comfort of the sofa.
Dr Sara Kayat, who has partnered with nasal spray brand Stérimar, which commissioned the research, said: “Suffering from a blocked nose or congestion can make it harder to get to sleep at night.
“A blocked nose can actually feel worse at night because more blood flows to it when you lie down, which can add to the nasal inflammation and congestion.”
For 53% who already snore, this will only gets worse when they can’t breathe clearly because of a cold or blocked nose.
It’s perhaps unsurprising then, that 70% of adults report a discernible dip in sleep quality, losing an average of three hours of shut-eye per cold-ridden night.
As a result of this, over 60% of affected individuals admit to battling low energy levels the following day, impairing concentration and work productivity.
Dr Sara Kayat added: “Having your sleep disturbed by a cold or blocked nose is bad enough. But the survey shows that your sleep disturbance can quickly become the source of low energy, negative mood and even relationship grumbles if you keep your loved one awake.
“It’s important to find a solution quickly that helps you breathe more easily, and that lets those around you get good quality sleep too.”