snoozes

Snooze is the practice of delaying an alarm's wake-up signal for a short period after it first sounds. It is a feature on most mechanical and digital clocks, as well as many smartphones and wearable devices, and is widely used to gain a few extra minutes of rest after an intended wake time.

How it works: When a user presses snooze, the alarm is silenced temporarily and will ring again after a preset interval. Snooze durations vary by device and can typically be customized; common defaults range from about 5 to 10 minutes, though some devices offer longer options.

Sleep effects: Repeated snoozing may fragment sleep and prolong sleep inertia—the grogginess felt upon waking. Scientific findings on snoozing are mixed: a short, occasional snooze can feel tolerable for some people, but longer or frequent snooze cycles generally reduce alertness and perceived rest.

Context and design: Snooze behavior reflects user goals (comfort versus punctuality) and device design. Some apps pair snooze with tasks or movement to discourage aimless delaying. Others provide gentler wake methods or gradually increasing alarms to reduce alarm fatigue.

Practical advice: For reliable waking, maintain a consistent wake time, place the alarm far from the bed, and minimize afternoon caffeine. Consider alternatives to snooze such as a single alarm without repeats, or a smart alarm that calibrates to sleep cycles.