The Snooze Factor

Americans spend about three and a half months of their lives hitting snooze buttons, according to research conducted by the health innovation company Withings.

More than three-quarters of the 3,000-plus adults surveyed early in 2014 rely on loud devices—typically bedside alarm clocks or smartphones–to wake them up. Of those, 57 percent are “snoozers” who hit the button at least once to stay in bed a few minutes longer.

But snoozing doesn’t seem to improve well-being. Of those surveyed, 57 percent report regularly feeling tired during the day, while only 33 percent describe their wakeup experience as “good.”

In fact, a majority of survey respondents—nearly 80 percent—agree that an unpleasant awakening can ruin the entire day. Respondents blamed bad wakeup experiences for negatively affecting their ability to concentrate (51 percent); to produce quality work (38 percent); and to enjoy a sense of well-being (35 percent).

It’s hardly surprising, then, that nearly half of survey respondents admitted that they’ve thought about smashing their alarms.

For more on the Withings sleep survey and the company’s new “No More Snooze” campaign, please visit http://www.withings.com/us/withings-aura.html.