Health often comes down to sleep. I investigated the worst morning habit of all.
Slate • • general
Key Points:
- The clock radio's snooze button, designed for easy use when half-asleep, remains favored by some despite the rise of smartphones with more restrictive snooze functions.
- Research shows that 56% of people use the snooze button, averaging 2.5 presses and 11 minutes of snoozing, though this may disrupt REM sleep and lead to grogginess.
- While snoozing is often considered harmful to sleep quality, some studies suggest it may help with a gentler transition to wakefulness, especially for natural night owls.
- Experts recommend getting uninterrupted sleep but acknowledge that occasional snoozing can be a way for some to gradually wake up without feeling groggy.
- The author reflects on the personal struggle with excessive snoozing and the importance of understanding underlying reasons rather than self-judgment, highlighting the widespread nature of this habit.
