If you're one of those people who snoozes your alarm multiple times before getting out of bed, you might feel guilty about this daily habit. However, a new study suggests that snoozing your alarm in the morning may not be as bad as you think.
According to researchers from the University of Notre Dame, this daily action may be a sign that you are listening to your body's signals and giving yourself the time it needs to gradually transition from sleep to wakefulness.
The study involved more than 450 participants and analyzed their waking habits.
The results showed that those who used the snooze function did not experience more fatigue or decreased productivity during the day, compared to those who woke up directly after the first alarm.
In fact, researchers found that some individuals who snoozed their alarms were more mentally prepared for the day, having time to transition from deep sleep stages to the waking stage more smoothly.
This study also highlights that being awakened suddenly from deep sleep can cause “sleep inertia,” a condition where the body and mind feel sluggish for several hours after waking. Delaying your alarm can help mitigate this effect, giving the body a chance to gradually transition from sleep to wakefulness.
However, experts emphasize that snoozing your alarm should not be a permanent habit and that a consistent, quality sleep at night is always the best option for health and energy during the day.