Morning alarms are seen as lifesavers, after all, they make sure school, work, or travel schedules aren’t missed. But neurologists now warn that this seemingly harmless routine could be stressing the brain and even the heart. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, recently explained that waking up with an alarm clock may be linked to sudden spikes in stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate, factors that are far from healthy.
The body’s natural wake-up clock
Human bodies are wired with an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which guides sleep and wake cycles. When sleep is complete, the brain naturally signals the body to wake up, usually during lighter stages of sleep. This gentle rise is what keeps the heart steady and the mind alert. But an alarm clock disrupts this process, often pulling the body out of deep sleep. The result? A sudden jolt to the system.
Cortisol surge : A stress alarm inside the body
Dr Kumar points out that alarms can trigger a sharp rise in cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Normally, cortisol levels increase gradually in the morning, helping the body feel refreshed. But when an alarm forces the body awake, cortisol surges abruptly. This fast-forwarded stress response can put unnecessary pressure on the cardiovascular system.
Heart under pressure
One of the biggest concerns with alarm-induced wakefulness is the effect on the heart. Studies show that being suddenly startled awake can raise blood pressure and heart rate within seconds. For someone with existing heart problems, this spike may be dangerous. Even in healthy people, neurologists caution that repeated daily shocks are not ideal for long-term heart health.
Sleep inertia and brain fog
Alarms not only stress the heart, but they also confuse the brain. Waking up from deep sleep stages leaves the mind in a foggy state known as “sleep inertia.” This explains why mornings sometimes feel groggy and sluggish despite several hours of rest. Left unchecked, chronic sleep inertia affects mood, productivity, and cognitive performance throughout the day.
Why natural wake-ups are kinder to the heart
Waking naturally, without alarms, means the body has completed its cycles of rest. The transition from sleep to wakefulness is smoother, with less stress on the brain and heart. People who follow this rhythm often report better mood, sharper thinking, and more energy through the day. It is not about oversleeping but about allowing the body’s clock to finish its work.Of course, not everyone can give up alarms completely. Work and school schedules often demand early starts. Dr Kumar suggests using softer, more gradual methods of waking, such as light-based alarms or progressive sounds, instead of loud, sudden noises. This reduces the shock to the system and makes mornings easier on both brain and heart.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to sleep routines, especially in case of heart or neurological conditions.
