Why is sleep important? Why should I avoid using an alarm clock to wake up?

Sleep is vital for numerous reasons, and Andrew Huberman has discussed the importance of sleep on his Huberman Lab, although a direct clip specifically addressing the importance of sleep was not found in the data.

However, regarding alarm clocks, Huberman has emphasized that the use of alarm clocks can interfere with the natural sleep cycle and potentially cause sleep inertia. Sleep inertia is the grogginess and disorientation that can occur when waking up, which may be worse if an alarm clock interrupts a deep sleep stage. He suggests aligning sleep patterns with one's circadian rhythm and getting enough sleep to wake up naturally without an alarm when possible. This can enhance cognitive function, mood stability, and overall health. While no specific clips were found that directly address alarm clocks either, numerous episodes of the Huberman Lab discuss aspects of sleep health and the importance of aligning with circadian rhythms.