Wellness expert reveals why you shouldn’t set multiple alarms in the morning

For many people, waking up in the morning is the hardest part of the day. After a night of sound sleep, waking up and getting ready for another day can sometimes feel impossible, as can leaving the addictive warmth and comfort of a cozy bed. So much so that some people need multiple alarms to gradually wake up in the morning.

However, according to a wellness expert and several studies, this multiple alarm routine is more detrimental to our sleep than we think.

A wellness expert has revealed why you shouldn’t set multiple alarms to wake up in the morning.

Jordan Bruss uses his social media platform to promote health and wellness content. He recently warned TikTok viewers about the lesser-known effects of using multiple alarms to wake up in the morning.

“If you’re one of those people who sets multiple alarms, I have some bad news for you,” she begins her video. “Waking up to multiple alarms every morning really messes up your REM cycle on a regular basis.”

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According to Headspace Group, this routine of being forced to wake up repeatedly in the morning during REM sleep can affect daily performance, memory consolidation, and learning.

“This causes sleep inertia, increased sleepiness, fatigue, mood swings, and also increases cortisol levels,” Bruss explained. “Every time the alarm goes off, we go into that fight-or-flight response, so waking up like that multiple times in the morning is very stressful.”

People might assume that setting multiple alarms in the morning helps them wake up gradually while getting a few extra minutes of sleep in between, but this actually just makes people feel more tired and sluggish.

“Trying to go back to sleep using the snooze button and waking up five minutes later confuses the body and brain. It is not part of the sleep cycle and therefore does not serve any purpose,” Headspace Group wrote.

In another video, Bruss suggested three steps people can take to stop relying on multiple alarms in the morning.

After several TikTokers expressed how difficult it is for them to wake up to an alarm when snoozing has become an addictive habit, Bruss offered additional actions to improve the quality of your sleep.

Bruss said the first step people should take is to maintain a regular circadian rhythm.

“This will help your body naturally regulate your sleep cycle,” she explained. “This means you need to go to bed at the same time and wake up at roughly the same time every day, even on your days off, to get into a rhythm.”

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He also encouraged viewers to recognize that the human brain is malleable and to know that they are capable of molding their brains to form new habits.

“Rewiring your brain takes a little work and a lot of perseverance, but I promise you will get there,” he said.

Bruss also advised people to consider leaving their phones on the other side of their rooms so that they are forced to get up to turn off their alarms in the morning. This may not be the most favorable option, but it can certainly help.

“You’re going to hear it eventually, even if it lasts five minutes, and if you have to physically get out of bed, stay out of bed,” Bruss said.

While it will be a challenge to get used to using just one alarm, it will benefit you in the long run.

There are several reasons why people repeatedly snooze their alarms in the morning. Some sleep deeply and don’t hear the first alarm, while others don’t even realize they snooze while they’re half asleep.

Many people may argue that they need multiple alarms in the morning because they are sleep deprived, but this habit will only prevent them from getting the rest they need.

Instead of snoozing your alarms every five to ten minutes for half an hour in the morning, consider simply setting an alarm for the time you need to wake up and you’ll likely feel much more rested without the staggered interruptions.

“When that alarm goes off in the morning, get up! Don’t keep traumatizing yourself,” Bruss stressed.

Image of the ground | Shutterstock

After your alarm goes off, look for helpful ways to ease the transition of waking up, whether it’s drinking a glass of water, starting your day with some stretches, or simply using the bathroom.

My personal trick when I was a teenager and had to get up at 5am every day to go to school was to do 10 jumping jacks as soon as my alarm went off. It may seem like torture, but starting the day with a light activity helped me wake up my mind and body.

At first, it may seem impossible to get used to using an alarm, but once you get through the first week, it will get easier. Over time, your mind and body will naturally get used to waking up at the same time in the morning, and you’ll be grateful for the change.

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Francesca Duarte is a news and entertainment staff writer for YourTango based in Orlando, Florida. She covers lifestyle, human interest, adventure and spirituality.