Dispute Erupts After Partner Relies on 17 Snooze Alarms to Wake Up
"The alarms go off every 5 minutes."
Sharing a home often means adjusting to each other’s quirks—whether it’s how the dishes are stacked, the volume of the TV, or sleep habits that don’t quite align. But when those quirks start interfering with daily peace, frustration builds.
One couple is facing exactly this problem over something seemingly small but deeply disruptive: an endless stream of morning alarms. According to OP, their partner sets 17 alarms every morning, starting at 6 a.m.
The alarms are just a few minutes apart and continue until about 8. The issue? OP doesn’t need to be up until 8, and while their partner snoozes each alarm and drifts back to sleep, OP is left wide awake, staring at the ceiling and questioning their sanity.
The repeated alarms turn what could be two extra hours of rest into an exhausting start to the day.
Finally, after weeks of frustration, OP snapped. On this particular morning, once the first few alarms had gone off, they grabbed their partner’s phone and turned off the last ten alarms.
As a result, their partner overslept, woke up late, and was furious. They accused OP of “sabotaging their system,” arguing that the multiple alarms were necessary to get them up for work.
For OP, the situation feels deeply unfair. It isn’t just about one morning—it’s about a daily routine that robs them of rest. They’re not against their partner needing help waking up, but the constant snoozing turns a personal system into a shared problem.
OP’s question is simple: are they the bad guy for finally taking matters into their own hands, or is it unreasonable to expect one person to sacrifice sleep for the other’s bad alarm habits?
The OP asks:
OP’s partner sets multiple alarms every morning, starting at 6 a.m.
The Psychology Behind Multiple Alarms
It's not uncommon for people to rely on multiple alarms to kickstart their day. This behavior could be linked to a difficulty in waking up, demonstrating a form of sleep inertia. Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, notes, "Sleep inertia can significantly impact our ability to function effectively in the morning, often leaving us feeling groggy and unmotivated." She elaborates on the effects of sleep inertia on her professional website, susandavid.com. This phenomenon might explain why some individuals feel the need for as many as 17 alarms to get out of bed.
This morning, OP grabbed their partner’s phone. They turned off the last 10 alarms to stop the constant interruptions.
17 alarms are not really a system
RedditThe Importance of Quality Sleep
Improving sleep hygiene might help alleviate the need for multiple alarms. According to the National Sleep Foundation, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bed can contribute to better sleep quality. Perhaps the couple could explore these strategies to address the alarm issue.
People with sleep disorders say:
RedditThere are choices...
RedditThis dilemma captures a common relationship challenge—how to balance individual needs with shared spaces. While OP may have gone too far by shutting off alarms without discussion, their frustration is understandable.
Sleep is essential, and when one partner’s habits regularly disrupt it, resentment builds quickly. The solution may not be sabotage but compromise: whether that’s using a vibrating alarm, setting fewer alarms, or even sleeping in separate rooms on work nights.
OP is the real alarm clock here
RedditThere should have been a conversation first...
RedditIt's not uncommon for people to rely on multiple alarms to kickstart their day. This behavior could be linked to a difficulty in waking up, demonstrating a form of sleep inertia. Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, notes, "Sleep inertia can significantly impact our ability to function effectively in the morning, often leaving us feeling groggy and unmotivated." She elaborates on the effects of sleep inertia on her professional website, susandavid.com. This phenomenon might explain why some individuals feel the need for as many as 17 alarms to get out of bed.
It is not always about discipline
RedditOP made their partner late out of pettiness?
Reddit
Impact on Relationships
It's not uncommon for people to rely on multiple alarms to kickstart their day. This behavior could be linked to a difficulty in waking up, demonstrating a form of sleep inertia. Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, notes, "Sleep inertia can significantly impact our ability to function effectively in the morning, often leaving us feeling groggy and unmotivated." She elaborates on the effects of sleep inertia on her professional website, susandavid.com. This phenomenon might explain why some individuals feel the need for as many as 17 alarms to get out of bed.
That system can maybe work for one person...
Reddit
Adult or a child?
Reddit
It's not uncommon for people to rely on multiple alarms to kickstart their day. This behavior could be linked to a difficulty in waking up, demonstrating a form of sleep inertia. Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, notes, "Sleep inertia can significantly impact our ability to function effectively in the morning, often leaving us feeling groggy and unmotivated." She elaborates on the effects of sleep inertia on her professional website, susandavid.com. This phenomenon might explain why some individuals feel the need for as many as 17 alarms to get out of bed.
Psychological Analysis
It sounds like this couple is caught in a classic clash of personal habits versus shared living dynamics. The partner's reliance on multiple alarms could stem from sleep inertia or poor sleep quality, which often leads to frustration on both sides when these habits disrupt the other's routine. A lack of open communication about their needs and boundaries is probably what triggered the explosive reaction, highlighting how important it is for couples to talk through their quirks before they escalate into bigger conflicts.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Understanding the psychological aspects behind the use of multiple alarms can be helpful in resolving such disputes. Whether it's sleep inertia, poor sleep hygiene, or a lack of communication, addressing these underlying issues might lead to a peaceful solution. By improving sleep habits and fostering open communication, the couple might find a balance that respects both their needs.
At its core, this isn’t just about alarms—it’s about respect. A relationship thrives when both partners’ needs are considered, and while one person may need multiple alarms to function, the other’s right to rest matters just as much.
Without finding common ground, the real sabotage might be to the relationship itself.
