The function of the sleep button on electronic devices.
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Every morning, the allure of the snooze button is hard to resist, but this practice may not be beneficial, according to a study led by sleep researcher Rebecca Robbins of Harvard Medical School. The study, published in the journal "Scientific Reports," reveals that the snooze button is extensively utilized, particularly in Germany, and might negatively affect sleep quality.
Researchers analyzed data from over 21,000 users of the "Sleep Cycle" app across approximately three million nights. The study showed that these individuals utilized the snooze function in nearly 56% of nights, with almost half of them pressing it more than 80% of the time. On these days, they slept an average of about 20 minutes longer. Overall, app users slept an additional 11 minutes per day.
In Sweden, people used it an average of 2.7 times on such days, while in Germany and the USA, it was 2.5 times, and in Japan and Australia, it was 2.2 times. Women tend to use it slightly more often than men, averaging 2.5 times compared to 2.3 times. Interestingly, the snooze button was used more frequently on weekdays than weekends, and those who slept a maximum of five hours did not use it.
Robbins explains that repeatedly hitting the snooze button can disrupt some of the most important sleep phases, particularly the hours just before waking, which are rich in REM sleep. Snoozing usually only offers light sleep between the snooze alarms, which might lead to disrupted sleep cycles, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep in the future.
Experts generally recommend seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep can impact mental health, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and impair cognitive performance. To achieve the best sleep, set the alarm for the latest possible time and get out of bed when the first alarm goes off.
Repeatedly using the snooze button can have several negative effects on sleep quality, including disruption of circadian rhythms, reduced sleep quality and duration, increased feelings of grogginess and disorientation, and long-term health issues like increased risk of chronic diseases. Maintaining consistent and healthy sleep habits is crucial for everyone's overall health and well-being.
Sources: ntv.de, gho/dpa
- Adopting a consistent sleep routine, avoiding the temptation to hit the snooze button, and focusing on quality sleep hours can lead to better mental health, improved cognitive performance, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease — key components of the health-and-wellness lifestyle.
- As the study reveals, utilizing the snooze button repeatedly can cause disruptions during the critical sleep phases, affecting the quality and duration of sleep, and potentially leading to long-term health concerns, such as an increased risk of chronic diseases.
- Science emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education on sleep and its impact on our lives, in addition to the importance of proper education, health, and a balanced lifestyle. Implementing a home-and-garden routine that encourages good sleep habits, such as setting a regular bedtime and creating a calming environment before sleeping, contributes significantly to one's overall well-being.
