What is the theory behind the 9-minute snooze alarm? (analog, sound, software)

[Nelly Nomad]

Virtually all alarm clocks I've seen that have a "snooze" feature. Invariably, that "snooze" time is set for 9 minutes. Why 9? Is there a scientific or biological reason for 9 minutes as opposed to 5 or 10? 5 or 10 minutes would certainly be easier to calculate if you want to get up at 6:15.

Not sure if this is the proper forum section for this question but I figured I'm asking about biology and science, so why not here? Thanks!

[Charley]

Originally Posted by Nelly Nomad

Virtually all alarm clocks I've seen that have a "snooze" feature. Invariably, that "snooze" time is set for 9 minutes. Why 9? Is there a scientific or biological reason for 9 minutes as opposed to 5 or 10? 5 or 10 minutes would certainly be easier to calculate if you want to get up at 6:15.

Not sure if this is the proper forum section for this question but I figured I'm asking about biology and science, so why not here? Thanks!

According to a study done by Pennsylvania State University, the average duration of "marital relations" ranges between 3 and 13 minutes. Using 8 as an average, perhaps the alarm clocks are built so that a husband and wife can be together in the morning when the alarm goes off, and once finished, the snooze alarm keeps them from falling back asleep?

Charley

[swagger]

I've wondered about this myself. It probably has to do with the mechanics of the software running the clock - "9" is one digit, where "10" is two - they can allot less memory for it. I know, pretty thin, but that's all I've been able to come up with.

[Nelly Nomad]

Originally Posted by CMTAD

...the average duration of "marital relations" ranges between 3 and 13 minutes...

Charley

3 minutes???

Originally Posted by swagger

I've wondered about this myself. It probably has to do with the mechanics of the software running the clock - "9" is one digit, where "10" is two - they can allot less memory for it. I know, pretty thin, but that's all I've been able to come up with.

Sounds like as good a guess as any, I think. You'd think after all these years, the tech could accommodate an extra digit but who knows?

[J Arp]

There are a few ideas as to why.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/090...sked092403.asp

The Straight Dope: Why does the alarm clock snooze button give you nine extra minutes, not ten?

[Brian.Pearson]

I accidentally learned that if I use the radio (talk) instead of the alarm, it tends to engage my mind and keep me awake. I don't have an irritating alarm anymore. For years, I used to loudest, most irritating sound for an alarm that I could find. I used to have a job that was a really high-pressure job. It didn't take long for me to go to sleep and it was hard for me to wake up, because I was mentally and physically exhausted.

[twixcookie]

Originally Posted by Nelly Nomad

3 minutes???

Sounds like as good a guess as any, I think. You'd think after all these years, the tech could accommodate an extra digit but who knows?

Maybe they think it takes another minute to find the snooze button???

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Nelly Nomad

Sounds like as good a guess as any, I think. You'd think after all these years, the tech could accommodate an extra digit but who knows?

Mine has 10-minute snooze increments. I can also set more than one snooze at a time. If the alarm goes off and I smack the snooze button twice, it will give me 20 minutes of snooze instead of 10; smack it 3 times and it will give me 30 minutes. How technologically advanced.

[Ohiogirl81]

Even way back in the 60s my alarm clock's snooze could be set from one to 60 minutes (that 60 minute snooze is dangerous ...). But nine minutes is not enough.

[jimmyrocks]

I think it has something to do with the minute hand on an analog clock, and has just become standard, so it's used on digitals. let me look it up and get back to you guys!