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Reevaluating the Snooze Button: New Research Challenges Preconceptions About Its Impact on Sleep
Contrary to popular belief, using the snooze button may not be detrimental to one’s sleep or cognitive performance, according to a study conducted by the Department of Psychology at Stockholm University. While people who use the snooze function tend to sleep marginally less, the study finds no negative impact on the quality of their sleep or their cognitive abilities upon waking.
Long-standing assertions have posited that hitting the snooze button could compromise both sleep quality and mental faculties, although no conclusive evidence has supported these claims. The latest research from Stockholm University suggests that, for habitual users of the snooze function, it may actually aid the process of waking up.
The Scientific Investigation of Using the Snooze Function
The inclination to extend one’s time in bed after the initial alarm is a common experience. Despite alarm clocks and smartphones offering the snooze function for years, the popular narrative has often suggested that it could be detrimental to both sleep and cognitive readiness. However, empirical research to corroborate these notions had been lacking until this study from Stockholm University assessed how prevalent snoozing is and its impact on various factors including sleep duration, alertness, mood, and cognitive functions.
Tina Sundelin, the lead author of the study and a researcher at Stockholm University, states, “While it’s true that people who frequently use the snooze button generally sleep for a slightly shorter duration and feel somewhat more sluggish in the morning compared to those who do not, we found no detrimental effects on cortisol levels, morning fatigue, overall mood, or the quality of sleep throughout the night.”
Findings from Surveys and Sleep Laboratory Experiments
In the first leg of the research, a survey involving 1,732 participants examined their morning routines, including their frequency of snooze button usage. The study found that this behavior is notably prevalent among young adults and “night owls.” The primary reason given for using the snooze function was a feeling of excessive tiredness upon waking.
The second part of the study involved a more controlled environment, where 31 regular snooze button users spent two nights in a sleep lab. In one session, they were permitted to snooze for 30 minutes, while in the other session they had to rise immediately upon hearing the alarm. The findings offer reassurance for those who choose to snooze. Despite the interrupted sleep during the 30-minute snooze period, most participants still managed to sleep for over 20 minutes, minimally affecting their total sleep time. Furthermore, no participants were roused from a deep sleep during the snooze session, and cognitive test performance upon waking was slightly better. The study did not find any definitive impact of snoozing on mood, levels of alertness, or salivary cortisol concentrations.
Final Observations
“Our study indicates that a half-hour of snoozing does not negatively impact nighttime sleep quality or produce sleep inertia, the sensation of feeling less than fully alert upon waking,” says Sundelin. “On the contrary, we observed some positive effects, such as reduced likelihood of being awakened from deep sleep and somewhat faster cognitive performance upon rising. However, it’s crucial to note that our study sample comprised individuals who are accustomed to snoozing and can easily fall back to sleep. Snoozing may not be suitable for everyone.”
Reference: “Is snoozing losing? Why intermittent morning alarms are used and how they affect sleep, cognition, cortisol, and mood” by Tina Sundelin, Shane Landry, and John Axelsson, published on 17 October 2023 in the Journal of Sleep Research. DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14054.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about snooze button research
What does the research from Stockholm University reveal about the snooze button?
The research from Stockholm University challenges common beliefs about the snooze button. It suggests that using the snooze button may not harm sleep quality or cognitive performance upon waking up. In fact, it indicates that snoozing could potentially aid the waking process for individuals who regularly use it.
How was the study conducted?
The study consisted of two parts. In the first part, a survey was conducted with 1,732 participants to gather information about their morning habits, including how often they used the snooze button. The second part involved 31 regular snooze button users spending two nights in a sleep lab. During one session, they were allowed to snooze for 30 minutes, and in the other session, they had to get up immediately when the alarm sounded.
What were the key findings of the research?
The research found that while individuals who regularly snooze tend to sleep slightly less and may feel more sluggish in the morning, there were no negative effects on cortisol levels, morning fatigue, mood, or sleep quality throughout the night. Interestingly, during the snooze session, participants did not wake up from deep sleep, and their cognitive performance upon waking was slightly improved.
Who are the primary users of the snooze button, according to the study?
The study revealed that the use of the snooze button is especially common among young adults and individuals who consider themselves “night owls.” The most common reason cited for using the snooze button was feeling excessively tired when the alarm initially goes off.
Is snoozing recommended for everyone based on these findings?
The researchers emphasize that the study sample consisted of individuals who are regular snooze button users and can easily fall back to sleep. Therefore, snoozing may not be suitable for everyone, and its impact could vary from person to person. It’s important to consider individual sleep patterns and preferences when deciding whether to use the snooze button.
More about snooze button research
- Stockholm University’s Sleep Research
- Journal of Sleep Research Article
- Tina Sundelin’s Research Profile
- Morning Sleep Habits
- Cortisol and Sleep
6 comments
cool study. snooze not so bad it seems. gd news 4 night owls & students.
gr8 article. snooze helps wake up. we need more sleep studies!
im a snoozer, so ths is gr8. bt, evry1 diffrnt, rght?
im up all nite, snooze my bff. gd 2 knw it dnt harm.
lol im the opposite. no snooze, rise & shine. bt science is cool!
Imp study frm Stockholm Univ. Snoozing’s effects explained. gd info.