Why Your Alarm Clock Could Be Sabotaging Your Mornings
Waking up in the morning can leave many people feeling groggy and disoriented. This sluggishness, known as sleep inertia, can last anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours, affecting alertness, decision-making, and motor skills. Now, research suggests that the right type of alarm sound could help ease the transition from sleep to wakefulness.
Sleep inertia is the body’s natural process of adjusting from sleep to being fully awake. During this time, sudden wake-ups—especially from deep sleep—can worsen grogginess and impair cognitive function. Many rely on traditional alarms or phone alerts, but these may not always be the best solution.
The way people wake up can influence how they feel for hours afterward. Using melodic alarms, pink noise, or gradual light exposure may help reduce sleep inertia and improve morning alertness. These adjustments could lead to clearer thinking and better performance after waking.
