Snooze Button Use Disrupts REM Sleep, Study Finds

A global study led by Mass General Brigham found that pressing the snooze button occurs in 56% of sleep sessions, with an average of 11 minutes spent snoozing each morning. Researchers warn that snoozing disrupts critical late-stage REM sleep, resulting in lighter, fragmented rest and increased drowsiness. Heavy snooze users, who rely on the function more than 80% of mornings, average 20 minutes of snoozing daily and often have more irregular sleep patterns. Weekdays see the highest snooze use, while those sleeping five hours or less snooze less, likely due to work obligations. Experts recommend avoiding the snooze habit to protect sleep quality and suggest maintaining consistent sleep routines or using scientifically backed sleep aids if needed. The findings highlight the importance of uninterrupted sleep for both overall health and cognitive function.