Experts often advise against hitting the snooze button on your alarm clock, but a recent study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham has shed light on the common practice of snoozing. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 individuals worldwide using the sleep analysis app Sleep Cycle.
The findings revealed that the snooze button was pressed in nearly 56% of the 3 million nights studied. Additionally, about 45% of the participants hit the snooze button on more than 80% of mornings. On average, these heavy users snoozed for 20 minutes each day. The results of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Lead author Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., from the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlighted the prevalence of snoozing among participants. She mentioned that more than half of sleep sessions ended with a snooze alarm, and users spent an average of 11 minutes between snooze alarms each morning before waking up.
Interestingly, the study found that snooze alarm utilization varied based on the day of the week, with more snoozing during the workweek and less on weekends. Additionally, individuals who slept for five hours or fewer were less likely to use the snooze button, possibly due to time constraints and occupational responsibilities.
Heavy users of the snooze alarm, who relied on it more than 80% of mornings, spent an average of 20 minutes between snooze alarms and exhibited more erratic sleep patterns. The study also revealed that individuals in the U.S., Sweden, and Germany had the highest snooze button use, while those in Japan and Australia had the lowest.
Robbins emphasized that the snooze alarm disrupts crucial stages of sleep, particularly REM sleep. She advised against using the snooze button as it interrupts important sleep cycles and only provides light sleep in between alarms. Instead, she recommended setting the alarm for the latest possible time and committing to waking up when the first alarm goes off for optimal sleep and performance.
For more information, you can refer to the study published in Scientific Reports by Rebecca Robbins et al. titled “Snooze alarm use in a global population of smartphone users” (DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-99563-y). The research was conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
In conclusion, while hitting the snooze button may seem like a tempting way to get a few extra minutes of sleep, it can disrupt your sleep cycle and impact your overall well-being. It’s essential to prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and avoid relying on the snooze alarm for a restful night’s sleep.
