0
% of adults report at least one sleep problem
AIHW report using Australian survey data
On The Nose Co Academy
Australian Breathing Report
The state of sleep, nasal breathing, allergy and active lifestyles in Australia.
This interactive 2026 edition brings together publicly available Australian data, practical interpretation and evidence-aware commentary in one free resource.
Published July 2026 · Data sources retain their original reference periods.
Verified sourcesTransparent methodologyFree media useAnnual publication
Headline findings
Breathing and sleep affect a large share of Australians
The strongest publicly available indicators show that sleep problems and allergy-related nasal symptoms are common—not niche concerns.
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% report at least two sleep-related problems
AIHW, published 2021; data page updated 2023
0
% report hay fever or allergic rhinitis
ABS National Health Survey, reference year 2022
1 in 10+
have at least mild insomnia at a given time
Healthdirect Australia
How to read these figures: they come from different source years and measure different things. They should not be combined into a single prevalence estimate or treated as results from an On The Nose Co customer survey.
Sleep in Australia
Sleep problems are widespread
AIHW reported that two in three Australian adults experienced at least one sleep problem, while nearly half reported two or more.
Sleep problems can include short sleep, long sleep, difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, snoring and other sleep-related symptoms. These categories are broader than diagnosed sleep disorders.
“Nearly half of Australian adults report at least two sleep-related problems.”
Reported adult sleep problems
66%
At least one problem
Approximately two in three adults.
Two or more problems: 48%
Nearly half of adults.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Nasal allergy
Almost one in four Australians report hay fever or allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis prevalence
Sources: ABS 2022 National Health Survey and AIHW allergic rhinitis reporting.
AIHW estimates that around 6.1 million Australians had allergic rhinitis in 2022.
Allergic rhinitis can cause sneezing, itching, mucus and swollen nasal tissue. These symptoms may make nasal breathing feel restricted during sleep, work or exercise.
External nasal strips support the front entrance of the nose mechanically. They do not treat the underlying allergic inflammation, so persistent symptoms may require allergen management or clinical advice.
Useful media angle: allergy-related nasal symptoms affect a much larger population than many consumers realise, creating a direct connection between breathing comfort, sleep and seasonal health.
Snoring & sleep apnoea
Snoring is common, but it is not always harmless
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Snoring
Snoring occurs when airflow makes relaxed upper-airway tissue vibrate. Nasal blockage can contribute, but the sound may also originate deeper in the throat.
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Breathing pauses
Witnessed pauses, choking or gasping can be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea and warrant assessment by a doctor or sleep specialist.
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Daytime effects
Severe daytime sleepiness, morning headaches or difficulty staying alert while driving should not be managed with a consumer breathing product alone.
Responsible interpretation: nose strips may reduce perceived nasal resistance for some people, but they do not diagnose or treat obstructive sleep apnoea and do not reliably stop every form of snoring.
Sport & active lifestyles
Breathing comfort matters—even when performance claims remain mixed
Running and endurance
External nasal strips can make airflow through the front of the nose feel easier for some runners. Research has not consistently demonstrated improvements in VO₂ max or race performance across healthy athletes, so their strongest defensible role is comfort and perceived airflow support.
Explore nose strips for runningGym and strength training
Some athletes use nasal support between sets or during lower-intensity conditioning. High-intensity exertion naturally increases the need for oral breathing; users should never force nasal-only breathing when uncomfortable.
HYROX and mixed-modality events
HYROX combines running and functional work, so breathing demands change rapidly. A nose strip may be tested during training as a comfort tool, but it should not be introduced for the first time on race day.
Read the HYROX breathing guideRecovery and sleep
For athletes, consistent sleep, appropriate training load, nutrition and recovery habits have far stronger evidence than any single breathing accessory. Nasal support can sit within that routine rather than replacing it.
Methodology
How this report was assembled
Version 1.0: secondary-data report
This edition combines publicly available Australian statistics and health guidance. It does not claim to be a representative original population survey.
- Priority was given to Australian government and government-supported health sources.
- Each statistic retains the source’s original reference year.
- Consumer-product commentary is separated from population statistics.
- Medical claims are framed cautiously, particularly for sleep apnoea and athletic performance.
- Future editions can add an original Australian consumer survey with sample size, recruitment method and questionnaire published in full.
Recommended original survey for the 2027 edition
Survey at least 1,000 Australian adults through an independent panel provider. Collect age, state, sleep symptoms, allergy symptoms, exercise habits, nasal-breathing awareness and product use. Weight the sample to Australian population benchmarks and publish the questionnaire.
Media centre
Use the report in articles, newsletters and educational resources
Journalists and publishers may reference the report with attribution to On The Nose Co Academy. When quoting a statistic, also acknowledge the original data source.
Printable reportUse your browser’s print option to save the full page as a PDF.
Statistics CSVDownload the headline figures and source notes.
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Source library
Primary Australian sources
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare — Sleep problems as a risk factor for chronic conditions
- AIHW — Sleep problems data and key findings
- Australian Bureau of Statistics — Health conditions prevalence, 2022
- AIHW — Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Healthdirect Australia — Insomnia
- Healthdirect Australia — Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Healthdirect Australia — Deviated septum
- Australian Sports Commission — AusPlay national participation survey
Last source review: 18 July 2026. The report should be reviewed annually and whenever a major source publishes updated figures.
On The Nose Co Academy
Continue exploring better breathing
Visit the Breathing Resource Centre for practical guides covering nasal airflow, sleep, snoring, running and respiratory training.
Australian Breathing Report 2026 · On The Nose Co Academy · Educational information only