Delaying the alarm in the morning is good for the brain, and science says so

One, two or three alarms in the morning: Many of us postpone getting up and get a few extra minutes of sleep under the duvet.

But this obsession with “snoozing” – which is often viewed as a bad habit – will not be harmful, but quite the opposite, revealed a study published on October 17, 2023 in the journal the Journal of Sleep Research.

While 69% of those interviewed as part of the new study admitted Use the function Nap, Or set at least several alarms “from time to time,” researchers from Stockholm University (Sweden) Prove it’s the latter Will be They became more mentally alert when they postponed waking up a little the morning.

Snoozing the alarm enhances our cognitive abilities in the morning

Morale, fatigue, productivity: The therapeutic benefits of napping are widely proven through science. A “nap” in the morning, after the alarm goes off, will be equally beneficial. In the framework of two studies, Swedish scientists revealed that returning to sleep and delaying waking up can be beneficial for our mood and attention throughout the day.

Finally, “snoozing is common and probably not bad for you, as long as you get enough sleep beforehand. I was surprised that Effects of a 30-minute nap It had very little effect on a full night’s sleep. Tina Sandlin, the lead researcher, said the participants were slightly more alert after getting more sleep in the morning. to PsyPost.

Contrary to what one might think, going back to sleep does not boost the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. While “the arousal response is a natural increase in cortisol levels, which occurs within the first hour of waking up and playing a game.” An essential role in preparing the body and mind “The day will come,” the media personality explains, as the late wake-up did not bother her and thus did not have a negative impact on the students’ day.

A nap helps night owls

This short sleep after the alarm goes off, which is the time to wake up, will be especially beneficial for people with a “night owl” chronotype, also called “night owls.” In fact, these personalities who are often tired in the morning have seen their scores on some cognitive tests conducted by scientists improve with a morning nap.

Snoozing the alarm would benefit those who go to sleep late, without disturbing their sleep or their general state upon waking: “For people who The chronotype is late, and delaying awakening can allow for a more gentle awakening [….] “Napping had no effect on subjects’ self-reported mood or sleepiness,” he adds. Sleep Foundation.

“The results suggest that there’s no reason to stop napping in the morning if you enjoy it, at least not during morning nap periods of about 30 minutes. In fact, it may help people with morning sleepiness feel a little more alert once they wake up.” . In the press release.