Scientists reveal the BEST alarm clock sound to use in the morning

Scientists have revealed why you should wake up to a melodic alarm instead of a morning beep – and how doing so could improve your alertness levels.

A study of 50 participants by RMIT University in Melbourne found that harsh alarm tones are linked to increased levels of morning grogginess, while music helps us to transition more steadily into being awake.

‘We think that a harsh “beep beep beep” might work to disrupt or confuse our brain activity when waking, while a more melodic sound like the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” or The Cure’s “Close to Me” may help us transition to a waking state in a more effective way,’ co-author Associate Professor Adrian Dyer said in a statement.

‘If we can continue to improve our understanding of the connection between sounds and waking state, there could be potential for applications in many fields, particularly with recent advancements in sleep technology and artificial intelligence.’

The scientists found that if you wake to a bad alarm, your ‘work performance can be degraded for periods up to four hours’.

Lead author, RMIT doctoral researcher Stuart McFarlane, said morning grogginess – or sleep inertia – is a serious problem in our 24-hour world. 

The scientists found that if you wake to a bad alarm, your ‘work performance can be degraded for periods up to four hours’ (stock image)

Many people shared their favourite songs to wake up to on Reddit.

These included Mr Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra, Good Morning by Kanye West and All Star by Smash Mouth.

‘Here Comes the Sun is good,’ one person posted. ‘It’s upbeat but it’s not an intense song to wake up to.’

‘I love Bohemian Rhapsody,’ another added. ‘It starts gently, but then gets you hyped up for the day.’

Sydney-based sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo (pictured) said you should always get off as soon as your alarm goes off, as hitting snooze can lead to anxiety and extreme stress over and over

Speaking to FEMAIL, Sydney-based sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo said she believes a calming alarm song can help to make you more energised and productive for the day ahead.

‘Once your alarm goes off, you should get up straightaway,’ she said.

‘Reports show that hitting the snooze button, especially if it’s jolting instead of soothing, can lead to anxiety and extreme stress over and over.

‘Set it for 15 minutes later if you know that that’s the point at which you must rise.’ 

Olivia shared the ideal morning routine for workers, which includes a glass of water first thing before getting some sunlight in to help suppresses the hormone to make you sleepy – melatonin.

At the same time as you are outside, prioritise ten minutes of movement – whether that’s a walk, yoga or even a little light running. 

‘The important thing is that you do something and make this a daily habit,’ Olivia said.

‘Immediately releasing endorphins to improve your mood, research shows that movement also aids mental functioning later in the day – so you’re more productive and less stressed because you’re able to get more done.’   

Lastly, the sleep expert said just five minutes of ‘mindfulness’ can set you up for a productive day ahead.