diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/notes.js.coffee b/app/assets/javascripts/notes.js.coffee
index 043e4f6266..2599a0ea4f 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/notes.js.coffee
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/notes.js.coffee
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ class Notes
     , 15000
 
   refresh: ->
-    @getContent()
+    @getContent() unless document.hidden
 
   getContent: ->
     $.ajax