Starting the day with a few extra minutes of sleep by hitting the snooze button is a common habit for many. A recent study has uncovered how widespread this practice is among morning risers. Understanding why we reach for that extra snooze can help us make better choices for our daily routines.

Researchers analyzed over 3 million nights of sleep data from 21,000 people using the Sleep Cycle app. They found that more than 55% of sleep sessions ended with the snooze button being pressed. On average, people snoozed for about 10 minutes and 48 seconds and hit the snooze button 2.4 times per session.

The study revealed that 45% of participants consistently used the snooze button in 80% of their sleep sessions, earning them the label of 'heavy snooze alarm users.' These individuals tend to sleep longer, averaging nine hours or more, and are more likely to hit snooze compared to those who sleep less. Additionally, heavy snoozers were more active on weekdays than weekends.

Interestingly, the study found that women are more likely to use the snooze button than men. On average, women spent 11 minutes and 30 seconds snoozing, while men spent about 10 minutes and 12 seconds. This difference may highlight a broader gender sleep gap, where women may face unique challenges in their sleep routines.

While grabbing a few extra minutes of sleep feels good, hitting the snooze button can actually disrupt your natural sleep cycle. This fragmented sleep leads to sleep inertia, leaving you feeling groggy and less alert. According to experts, the brief sleep after snoozing is of poor quality and can negatively impact your mood and cognitive sharpness.

Breaking the snooze button habit can lead to better sleep quality and a more energized start to your day. By understanding the patterns and consequences of snoozing, and implementing strategies to avoid it, you can improve your overall sleep health. Embracing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a conducive wake-up environment are key steps toward healthier morning routines.