Do you know that euphoric feeling you get after hitting the snooze button and drifting back into your dreams? Well, that’s what we call the art of snoozing. It’s a practice that has been perfected by generations of snoozers. And if you’re looking to achieve that perfect balance between sleep and getting up, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll delve deep into the art of snoozing and teach you everything you need to know about this underrated skill. From the history of the snooze button to the benefits of snoozing, we’ve got it all covered.
What is Snoozing?
Snoozing is the act of delaying the alarm clock’s ringing for a certain amount of time. This minor but crucial act grants the user a few more minutes of blissful sleep. However, snoozing isn’t just about getting a few more minutes of sleep; it’s also about the euphoric feeling of waking up and going back to sleep. It’s like playing peek-a-boo with your consciousness.
The History of the Snooze Button
Did you know that snoozing is relatively new? The first snooze button was invented in the 1950s by an American engineer named Nathaniel Baldwin. Baldwin was a prolific inventor, with over 120 patents to his name, but it was his invention of the snooze button that truly revolutionized the alarm clock industry.
Before Baldwin’s invention, alarm clocks would ring continuously until turned off. However, Baldwin’s innovation allowed users to delay the alarm’s sound, creating the first-ever “snooze button.”
Fun Fact: According to a survey, up to 57% of Americans use alarms to wake up.
The Benefits of Snoozing
Apart from the obvious benefit of getting a few more minutes of sleep, snoozing has some surprising health benefits. One of the most significant benefits is that it can help you ease into the day gradually. Instead of abruptly waking up to a blaring alarm, snoozing allows you to awaken gently, making you feel less groggy.
Here are some of the benefits of snoozing:
- Reduced morning grogginess
- Boosts alertness
- Improved productivity
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved mental and physical health
The Perfect Time to Snooze
Snoozing for too long can leave you feeling groggy and can get in the way of your productivity. But if you do it right, snoozing can be a powerful tool to help you start your day with more energy.
Ideally, you should snooze for 9, 18, or 27 minutes since these are multiples of the REM sleep cycle. Snoozing for this length of time grants your brain enough time to move through the sleep cycle, resulting in you feeling more refreshed and alert after waking up.
Fun Fact: The term “snooze” is so prevalent that it has been added to the dictionary.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Snoozing
As with anything, there are right and wrong ways to snooze. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your snooze time:
The Do’s
- Do snooze for short periods
- Do try to sleep in REM cycles
- Do listen to calming music to soothe you back to sleep
- Do use alarms with gradual volume increases
The Don’ts
- Don’t snooze for too long
- Don’t hit the snooze button multiple times
- Don’t drink caffeine before bed
- Don’t use loud, irritating alarms
The Best Alarms for Snoozing
Choosing the right alarm clock can make all the difference when snoozing. Here are some of the best alarm clocks that make snoozing an art form:
- Philips Wake-Up Light – This alarm simulates a sunrise, gradually lighting up the room and waking you up naturally.
- Loftie Alarm Clock – A smart alarm clock that features a varied library of soothing sounds to wake you up gently.
- Casper Glow – A portable light that gradually dims down, signaling that it’s time for bed. It then slowly brightens up, waking you up gently.
Tips for Those Who Can’t Snooze
Not everyone is a natural-born snoozer. If you’re one of those people who just can’t seem to nail the art of snoozing, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Give yourself enough time to sleep
- Create a calming bedtime routine
- Try listening to calming music as you fall asleep
- Practice mindfulness meditation before bed
- Avoid caffeine before bed
- Invest in a comfortable mattress
The Art of Snoozing: To Wrap it Up
Snoozing can be a beautiful act of self-care, and taking the time to perfect it can be life-changing. Remember to keep your snooze short and your alarms soothing, and before long, you’ll be a snooze button pro.
Table: The Perfect Snooze
| Time between Snoozes | Recommended Wake-Up Times (REM Cycles) |
|---|---|
| 9 Mins | 1.5h, 3h, 4.5h, 6h, 7.5h, 9h |
| 18 Mins | 1h, 2.5h, 4h, 5.5h, 7h, 8.5h |
| 27 Mins | 1h, 3h, 4.5h, 6h, 7.5h, 9h |
Fun Fact: Mark Twain once said, “If you make your bed in the morning, you’ve already accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and encourage you to do another task, and another, and another.”
References:
- Nathaniel Baldwin (American engineer). (n.d.). https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nathaniel-Baldwin
- The History of the Snooze Button. (n.d.). https://interestingengineering.com/the-history-of-the-snooze-button
- The science of sleep. (n.d.). https://www.sleep.org/articles/what-happens-during-sleep/