Using Phone Alarms May Lead to Poorer Sleep Quality, Study Finds

If you rely on your mobile phone’s alarm to wake up in the morning, you might want to rethink this habit, as it could be impacting your sleep quality. A recent study conducted by Notre Dame University in France reveals that people who use alarm clocks to wake up are more likely to feel fatigued compared to those who wake up naturally.

The research, which involved 450 full-time working individuals, found that while the sleep duration of alarm users and natural wake-up individuals was generally similar, those using alarms experienced more disrupted sleep cycles. The data, collected through wearable devices, indicated that people who hit the snooze button had a more significant interruption in their sleep quality. On the other hand, individuals who woke up naturally had longer, more restful sleep and tended to consume less caffeine throughout the day.

Alarm clock users were found to have a more significant impact on their natural sleep cycle, causing mental and physical effects, such as feeling more tired throughout the day. Furthermore, an earlier study published in *Sleep Journal* revealed alarming consequences for those using alarms, including increased blood pressure and higher risks of heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, research from Virginia University’s School of Nursing showed that using an alarm to wake up increased blood pressure by 74% when compared to waking up naturally. The study concluded that abrupt waking could be especially harmful for individuals with heart conditions.

In related findings, experts from Saint Louis University noted that having a phone nearby on the bed negatively impacts sleep quality. The constant temptation to scroll through notifications or turn off the alarm disrupts the body’s sleep rhythm.

The best solution, as per experts, is to eliminate the need for an alarm entirely, allowing your body to wake naturally. Researchers suggest placing your phone in another room to minimize distractions and prevent your sleep from being interrupted by phone notifications or the temptation to use it late at night.