Hitting The Snooze Button Is Totally Fine, Says New Study
It’s often said that if you snooze, you lose. The science, however, says that may not actually be the case. A new study suggests that repeatedly hitting your alarm’s snooze button in the morning doesn’t seem to have any negative long-term effects.
The study was conducted by researchers at Stockholm University in Sweden. To test the effects of repeated snooze-hitting, 30 people were asked to stay at a sleep lab for two nights. The first morning they were allowed to hit the snooze button three times for a total of 30 minutes. And on the next morning they weren’t able to hit the snooze button, but they were still allowed the extra half hour of sleep.
The researchers then compared different factors between the two sleep methods. These include observable traits like tiredness or changes in mood, as well as more empirical measurements like cortisol levels and overall sleep quality.
In a news release from the university, the study’s lead researcher Tina Sundelin explains the overall results. “Our findings show that…there were no negative effects of snoozing on cortisol release, morning tiredness, mood, or sleep quality throughout the night.”
Admittedly the study did show that repeat snoozers tended to lose a bit of sleep, and were also drowsier in the morning compared to non-snoozers. But as far as long-term effects, there doesn’t seem to be any negative consequences to hitting the snooze button.
However, Sundelin also clarifies that these results could pertain to a select group of steady sleepers. “It’s of course important to remember that the study only included people who are regular snoozers and find it easy to go back to sleep after each alarm. Snoozing is most likely not for everyone.”
It’s suggested that you only hit the snooze button enough times to account for 30 minutes of extra sleep.
Top Holiday Season Stressors: Strategies for a Stress-Free Season
Navigating Those Emotions
If you’ve been through a recent traumatic event, family drama, or the loss of a loved one, the holiday season can stir up feelings of sadness, loneliness, or even grief. It’s all perfectly normal, and you don’t have to put on a happy face just because it’s the holidays. Engaging in activities you enjoy, getting some fresh air, or lending a hand through volunteering can boost your mood. Joining community events or helping others is a way to socialize and make a positive impact. When it comes to handling your feelings during the holiday season, Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. has a few useful hints: stick to healthy habits, be open to help and find support when you need it, and set boundaries that make sense for you.
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Sticking To the Basics and Maintaining Routine
Putting on a few extra holiday pounds might seem like a tradition, but for some, it’s a major stress factor when trying to shed or maintain weight. Changes in your exercise and sleep routine can also add to your stress and potentially worsen other health issues. Sticking to your regular diet, exercise, and sleep schedule during the holidays can give you a sense of stability when everything else seems crazy. It can help keep your mood in check, your immune system strong, and your ability to handle stress intact. Plus, it can be a lifesaver for managing other health conditions. The Traini Counseling Group recommends taking a daily walk or simply carving out 20 minutes for yourself daily.
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Keeping It Real with Expectations
During the holiday season, many folks set crazy-high expectations on themselves and others. But you don’t have to be a perfectionist to have a fun and memorable holiday. Sure, holiday traditions can bring a warm and fuzzy feeling, and you might feel like you have to keep things exactly the same year after year. But when life throws you a curveball, it’s okay to roll with the punches. Changing up those holiday routines and traditions to match new circumstances is perfectly fine. Psychology Today suggests lowering your expectations. “By keeping expectations realistic and focusing on what’s really important to you, you may just find that your ‘good enough’ holiday turns out to be ‘pretty great’ after all,” they wrote.
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Dealing with Family and Social Pressures
The holiday season can be a bit of a stress-fest, thanks to family get-togethers and social shindigs. There’s a ton of stuff to manage, from party planning to a jam-packed social calendar, and it can all leave you feeling frazzled. One trick is to get ahead of the game by planning for those family bashes and gatherings. That can help you handle the event with less stress. And remember to factor in some downtime after these gatherings to recharge your batteries. If you know that a family visit or social event is going to trigger your anxiety, make sure you’ve got some relaxing time scheduled right afterward. Maybe head home and relax by watching your favorite movie or curling up with a book. Remember to not jam-pack your schedule with visits and events without giving yourself a break. Mayo Clinic suggests simply saying no to holiday commitments. “With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them,” they wrote. They also added that sharing your to-do list with other family members may help alleviate your stress.
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Dietary Dilemmas
Holiday festivities typically revolve around tons of grub, and some of it might not fit with your diet or allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, make sure you let your party host or caterer know in advance. Ask about what’s cooking. And if you’re hitting a potluck or buffet, try serving yourself first to avoid cross-contamination with other dishes. If you’re not sure what’s on the menu, just skip the meal. But don’t forget to eat something beforehand so you’re not starving. Holiday parties are famous for their special cocktails, which might have sneaky ingredients that mess with your allergies or sensitivities. If you’re not sure about what’s in your drink, stick to beverages you know are safe. The same goes for baked goods, which can hide all sorts of surprises.
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