The Mirror - Alarm Clock- 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
Anyone who knows me knows I like my sleep. I appreciate a good night's rest and time to recharge my body. I am one of those humans who needs 7 - 8 hours of good sleep to show up the next day. Individuals also know that I have a bad habit of hitting snooze on the alarm clock. I recently finished a book by Mel Robins, and she called me out, not specifically me but those of us who pound the snooze button in the morning. She stated that as soon as the alarm goes off, DO NOT hit the "snooze" button; instead, count backward from five. 5.4.3.2.1 and then GET UP!
I write about my adverse relationship with my alarm because learning to even set the alarm was a pivotal point in my life. Due to circumstances I am sure I will share in another post, on October 19th, 2001, I decided to move in with my father. I would have to learn to hear my alarm clock. At first, it was a struggle, but eventually, it became easier. Living with my mom she was my alarm clock and I was grossly dependent on her to wake me up in the morning. It was a hard transition, but eventually, it became easier.
Fast forward 23 years later, and I still struggle to get up in the morning. The constant battle with my snooze button still happens daily. I should pay attention to my sleep hygiene to understand the barriers to getting up in the morning. If I need to get up, I will, but I will hit the snooze button multiple times if I do not have a reason to get up. For example, today, I hit the snooze button every 15 minutes from 6:00 to 7:15 am - at least 5 times. What makes it easier to hit the snooze is now I can do it on my watch, so I don't even need to reach across the bed to the nightstand.
Why do we "hit" that snooze button? What are the experts saying?
Sleep Cycle Disruption:
When the alarm goes off, it may interrupt a deep phase of sleep, leaving you feeling groggy and unprepared to wake up. This sensation, known as sleep inertia, can make the snooze button tempting as you seek to return to rest.Inadequate Sleep:
Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality leaves you feeling fatigued in the morning, leading to a desire for just a few more minutes of sleep.Habits and Conditioning:
Repeatedly using the snooze button can create a habit loop where your brain associates the alarm with an opportunity to rest longer, reinforcing the behavior over time.Psychological Resistance:
The mental or emotional stress of facing the day’s challenges can lead to procrastination in the form of snoozing.Alarm Settings:
If your alarm is too abrupt or startling, it may trigger an avoidance response, encouraging you to snooze to escape the discomfort.
To reduce snoozing, ensure consistent sleep routines, aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep, and place the alarm out of reach to encourage immediate action upon waking.
In conclusion, my relationship with sleep and the snooze button is a journey that reflects not just my habits, but also the transitions and growth in my life. Learning to set an alarm clock was a pivotal moment that marked a shift toward responsibility and independence when I moved in with my father all those years ago. While the snooze button remains my loyal adversary, it also serves as a reminder that there's always room for improvement in my routines and habits.
Mel Robbins’ advice has given me a fresh perspective, and while I might not have mastered the 5-4-3-2-1 method just yet, I see it as a small step toward conquering my mornings. As I reflect on my sleep hygiene and explore ways to make getting up easier, I’m reminded that every day is an opportunity to rise—not just from bed, but also to meet life’s challenges with renewed energy and purpose. So, tomorrow morning, when my alarm goes off, I’ll try my best to resist the snooze and start the day with intention.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information you have read here.
