Snooze Eight Sleep Alarm

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already convey that this is a mutating, non-destructive, idempotent operation. The description adds valuable behavioral context beyond the annotations by stating the preconditions: the alarm must be actively ringing and the call is gated by explicit user intent plus an environment flag.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two short sentences with no filler. The core action is front-loaded, and the gating requirement is stated separately and clearly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the output schema exists and annotations are present, the description is adequately complete. It states the core action, the precondition, and the authorization gate. It could mention what happens if the alarm is not actively ringing, but the output schema likely covers error cases.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 50%, and the two most behaviorally important parameters (alarm_id and explicit_user_intent) have descriptions in the schema. The tool description itself does not explain parameters, but the schema covers the critical ones, so the description does not need to fully compensate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb ('Snooze') and resource ('an actively ringing alarm'), making the tool's purpose immediately clear. The phrase 'actively ringing' helps distinguish it from related alarm tools such as eight_sleep_dismiss_alarm.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context: use it to snooze an actively ringing alarm and only when explicit_user_intent is true and EIGHT_SLEEP_ALLOW_MUTATIONS=true. It does not explicitly name alternatives or state when not to use it, but the ringing precondition and gating requirements give solid usage guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.