Researchers from Stockholm University in Sweden explored the common habit of snoozing alarms and its impact on mental performance. The study, which gained attention after its publication by Wiley, reveals a link between delaying wake times and cognitive results. The researchers set out to understand whether people who habitually hit the snooze button differ in meaningful ways from those who rise with the first alarm.
In total, 1,732 adults took part in the investigation. The team examined participants’ daily schedules, sleep patterns, and how these factors might relate to waking behavior. The survey found that individuals who tended to snooze their alarms tended to sleep about 22 minutes longer in the morning on average. Notably, the snoozers were about four times more likely to be night owls than those who wake up promptly, suggesting a stronger tendency toward late-night activity among this group.
To assess cognitive ability, participants completed a set of tasks designed to test memory and recognition as well as simple arithmetic. The results showed that those who regularly used the snooze function performed better on these cognitive measures than those who did not snooze. The findings suggest that a small extension of morning sleep may be associated with enhanced certain cognitive capacities, at least in the short term.
As with many scientific inquiries, the study’s authors cautioned that more work is needed to determine whether snoozing has any longer-term health implications. They indicated that future research should investigate the persistence of these effects and whether repeated morning snoozing could interact with overall sleep quality, daytime alertness, and long-term well-being.
Historically, the same body of work has sometimes been referenced in broader conversations about sleep patterns, with earlier descriptions noting the possibility that certain sleep-related behaviors might be considered natural remedies or aids for comfort and rest. These older characterizations provide context for how researchers interpret morning routines within the wider spectrum of sleep health and daily performance.
Overall, the Swedish study contributes to a growing narrative about how morning wake behavior relates to cognitive function. While the data hint at a potential advantage for snoozers in specific cognitive tasks, experts emphasize a balanced view: sleep duration, quality, and consistency remain central to long-term health and daily functioning. The researchers encourage individuals and healthcare professionals to consider personalized sleep strategies that align with one’s rhythms and responsibilities, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Citations: Stockholm University study, Wiley publication, (Stockholm University, 2023).