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Being able to set an alarm on your smartphone is, in theory, one of the “conveniences” these devices offer. However, while not needing a separate alarm clock can potentially save you space and money, it does come with a trade-off. If your phone is also your alarm clock, that means the moment you wake up, you need to interact with your phone. Since smartphone addiction is such a problem that even top tech CEOs recommend limiting screen time, it’s not healthy to wake up to a network alarm that you can’t turn off without interacting with your mobile device. Fortunately, there are other options for those who want to wake up more calmly.
Take the example of the Hatch alarm clock. The purpose of this device is to help users establish healthier sleep routines. It achieves this goal in a variety of ways, such as allowing users to set alarms that wake them up with gentle sounds rather than the typical jarring alerts we’re used to. The clock also uses a sunrise light feature to help users wake up. Most importantly, it allows users to set an alarm without having to bring their phone into the bedroom.
There are other calming, phone-free ways to wake up
A device like the Hatch alarm clock may appeal to someone who understands that relying on their phone’s alarm function isn’t doing their long-term health any favors. However, the price may also be a bit high for some. Additionally, Hatch attempts to convince users to purchase a subscription to access additional content and features. That alone might be enough to make someone look for an alternative.
Fortunately, in the web age, there is no shortage of discussions in communities like r/Productivitycafe on Reddit, where users discuss these topics and share their ideas. Users have pointed out that several options other than traditional phones and alarm clocks can help them wake up calmly and easily.
For example, if you have a fitness tracker, you may be able to set an alarm through a less distracting device than a phone. You can also invest in smart lights that turn on at a specific time, if you think that will be enough to wake you up. It’s even possible to program some stereo systems to play your favorite music when you wake up.
Remember, an alarm is just one part of your sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider talking to your doctor and getting tips from experts on how to get better rest. If you own a smartwatch, you can also try using the smartwatch’s sleep tracking features to get a better idea of the factors affecting your sleep hygiene.
