Many people rely on alarms to wake them up in the morning, with the shrill sounds often jolting them out of sleep. This sudden awakening can leave individuals feeling groggy and disoriented for a while, affecting their mood and productivity. However, a recent explanation by Hyderabad-based doctor Sudhir Kumar sheds light on how waking up to an alarm could have a more serious consequence—an increased risk of stroke.
In a recent tweet, Dr. Kumar highlights that waking up to an alarm can cause a significant spike in blood pressure, with studies showing a 74% increase in blood pressure levels compared to those who wake up naturally. This rise in blood pressure is more pronounced for individuals who have had less than 7 hours of sleep, heightening the potential for heart-related issues such as heart attacks and strokes. The risk is especially concerning for those with preexisting heart disease or hypertension. Additionally, being abruptly woken up from deep sleep can lead to "sleep inertia," where individuals feel groggy for up to two hours, further adding to the stress.
Alternatives to waking up to alarm
Given these risks, Dr. Kumar suggests several alternatives to avoid waking up with an alarm. First, it's crucial to get enough sleep—7 to 8 hours a night—so the body can wake up naturally. Exposure to natural light in the morning can also help regulate melatonin production, facilitating a smoother wake-up process. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule that aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythm is equally important. For those who must use an alarm, Dr. Kumar advises opting for soothing sounds rather than harsh, jarring tones to ease the transition from sleep to wakefulness.
Impact of alarms on participants
A study by University of Virginia's nursing doctoral student Yeonsu Kim explored how forced awakenings, such as those caused by alarm clocks, contribute to morning blood pressure surges, which are linked to higher cardiovascular risks, including stroke and heart attack. The study involved 32 participants over two days, where participants wore smartwatches and finger blood pressure cuffs to measure their blood pressure. On one night, participants woke up naturally, while on the second night, they were woken up after just five hours of sleep using an alarm.
The results showed a 74% increase in morning blood pressure surge in those who were woken by alarms compared to those who woke up naturally. Kim's research suggests that those who experience exaggerated blood pressure surges, especially with limited sleep, may face higher cardiovascular risks. This is particularly concerning for adults with cardiovascular disease.
The study also confirmed that inadequate sleep, typically under seven hours, leads to heightened blood pressure surges, further increasing the risk of heart disease. Previous studies support this, indicating that waking up to melodic sounds or natural light may help mitigate these effects and avoid grogginess.
In a recent tweet, Dr. Kumar highlights that waking up to an alarm can cause a significant spike in blood pressure, with studies showing a 74% increase in blood pressure levels compared to those who wake up naturally. This rise in blood pressure is more pronounced for individuals who have had less than 7 hours of sleep, heightening the potential for heart-related issues such as heart attacks and strokes. The risk is especially concerning for those with preexisting heart disease or hypertension. Additionally, being abruptly woken up from deep sleep can lead to "sleep inertia," where individuals feel groggy for up to two hours, further adding to the stress.
Alternatives to waking up to alarm
Given these risks, Dr. Kumar suggests several alternatives to avoid waking up with an alarm. First, it's crucial to get enough sleep—7 to 8 hours a night—so the body can wake up naturally. Exposure to natural light in the morning can also help regulate melatonin production, facilitating a smoother wake-up process. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule that aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythm is equally important. For those who must use an alarm, Dr. Kumar advises opting for soothing sounds rather than harsh, jarring tones to ease the transition from sleep to wakefulness.
Waking Up to an Alarm in Mornings can cause a Significant Surge in Blood pressure
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) September 7, 2024
➡️Many people routinely use an alarm to wake up. As per a study, waking up to an alarm can result in 74% increase in Blood pressure (BP), as compared to those who wake up naturally (without an… pic.twitter.com/dOeKgv0IYC
Impact of alarms on participants
A study by University of Virginia's nursing doctoral student Yeonsu Kim explored how forced awakenings, such as those caused by alarm clocks, contribute to morning blood pressure surges, which are linked to higher cardiovascular risks, including stroke and heart attack. The study involved 32 participants over two days, where participants wore smartwatches and finger blood pressure cuffs to measure their blood pressure. On one night, participants woke up naturally, while on the second night, they were woken up after just five hours of sleep using an alarm.
The results showed a 74% increase in morning blood pressure surge in those who were woken by alarms compared to those who woke up naturally. Kim's research suggests that those who experience exaggerated blood pressure surges, especially with limited sleep, may face higher cardiovascular risks. This is particularly concerning for adults with cardiovascular disease.
The study also confirmed that inadequate sleep, typically under seven hours, leads to heightened blood pressure surges, further increasing the risk of heart disease. Previous studies support this, indicating that waking up to melodic sounds or natural light may help mitigate these effects and avoid grogginess.
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