For many solo travellers, hostels represent the perfect blend of affordability and social connection. But one woman's hostel experience turned into what she describes as "absolute torture" thanks to a roommate's baffling alarm clock habit that defies all logic and common courtesy.
The 3am Wake-Up Call That Wasn't What It Seemed
The traveller, sharing her story online, recounted checking into a dorm room and settling in for what should have been a restful night before exploring a new city. Her expectations of peaceful sleep were shattered at 3am when a fellow guest's alarm pierced the silence.
"Naturally, I assumed she'd wake up, turn it off, and that would be that," the traveller explained. "But instead, something much more bizarre unfolded."
The Maddening Pattern Emerges
Rather than silencing the alarm and beginning her day, the roommate simply hit snooze. This pattern repeated every nine minutes for nearly two hours, with the alarm blaring through the shared space while the woman remained fast asleep.
"Each time it went off, everyone in the room would jolt awake," the traveller recounted. "We'd lie there waiting for her to turn it off, but she never did. She slept through every single alarm while the rest of us grew increasingly exhausted and irritated."
The Hostel Etiquette Debate Ignites
The story has sparked vigorous discussion among the travel community about unspoken hostel rules and consideration for fellow guests. Many seasoned travellers expressed disbelief at the behaviour, calling it "the ultimate hostel sin."
Common hostel etiquette rules that were clearly violated include:
- Setting alarms only when necessary and for reasonable hours
- Keeping phone volumes at minimum levels
- Waking promptly when alarms sound
- Respecting other guests' need for sleep
The Psychological Toll on Fellow Travellers
Sleep experts note that interrupted sleep can be particularly damaging for travellers already dealing with jet lag and the stress of navigating unfamiliar environments. The repeated awakenings prevent the deep, restorative sleep necessary for proper cognitive function and enjoyment of travel experiences.
"When you're travelling, every hour of sleep counts," one commenter noted. "To have that stolen by someone who isn't even waking up feels like a special kind of torture."
Solutions for Considerate Hostel Staying
The incident has prompted suggestions for more thoughtful alarm practices in shared accommodations:
- Use vibrating alarms or smartwatch notifications
- Place the phone under your pillow to muffle sound
- Set only one alarm and commit to waking up
- Consider using a sleep tracking app that wakes during light sleep phases
- Inform roommates in advance if an early wake-up is necessary
The story serves as a stark reminder that while hostels offer incredible opportunities for connection and adventure, they also require a heightened level of consideration for the strangers who become temporary neighbours in close quarters.
