Why I’m Suddenly Obsessed With Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Sunrise alarm clocks are the unsung heroes of busy mornings.

Months ago, I decided there had to be a better way to wake up than my phone screaming at me in a dark room. Especially once fall and winter arrive.

When it's still pitch black outside, my alarm going off feels more like an emergency evacuation.

Which is how I became intrigued by sunrise alarm clocks.

What Is a Sunrise Alarm Clock?

The idea is pretty simple. Instead of relying solely on sound to wake you up, a sunrise alarm clock gradually fills your room with light before your scheduled wake-up time.

The light starts dim and gets brighter, essentially creating a tiny artificial sunrise on your nightstand.

Most models still have an audible alarm, so you don't have to place complete faith in the power of a glowing lamp to get you to your 9 a.m. meeting.

The Wake-Up Sounds Are Better, Too

Many sunrise alarm clocks let you wake up to gentler sounds like birds, soft music, or nature sounds instead of the default phone alarm that immediately sends your nervous system into battle. This was enough to convince me all by itself.

Of course, if you're someone who can sleep through thunderstorms and construction equipment, you'll probably want to make sure your chosen model has a sufficiently loud backup alarm.

Know thyself.

It Gives Your Phone One Less Job

I've been thinking more about all the jobs we've handed over to our phones. Alarm clock. Book. Timer. Entertainment center. Basically everything except washing the dishes.

Using a separate alarm clock means you can charge your phone somewhere other than your nightstand.

That removes the temptation to do a “quick” scroll before bed and another one approximately nine seconds after opening your eyes.

Your texts will survive until breakfast.

Dark Mornings Might Feel a Little Less Rude

Getting out of bed when the sun hasn't bothered to show up yet feels deeply unfair.

A sunrise alarm can't change what time the actual sun rises, but having your room gradually brighten before you wake up can make a dark morning feel a little less abrupt.

And frankly, I'll take whatever help I can get when my bed is warm and the world outside the blankets is not.

Hatch 3 Restore: My Recommendation for a Sunrise Alarm Clock

I own a Hatch Restore 3, so this recommendation comes from actual nights spent with one on my nightstand.

I originally wanted it for the sunrise alarm, but the bedtime features are what really sold me. The sound baths make me melt into a coma—in the best possible way. I can set up a wind-down routine with soft light and relaxing audio, then wake up to gradually brightening light instead of my phone scolding me from the darkness.

I also love that once everything is set up, I can control my routine from the device itself instead of constantly reaching for my phone. If my goal is to get the phone out of my bedtime routine, the Hatch actually helps me do it.

If you’re on the hunt for a sunrise alarm clock, I'd look for adjustable brightness so your bedroom doesn't suddenly go from dark cave to department-store fitting room. Multiple alarm sounds are nice, and a sunset or dimming feature can be useful if you like winding down with softer light at night.

I'd also check how easy the controls are to use. I don’t want to troubleshoot Wi-Fi or navigate seven menus at 6:30 in the morning. I want to hit a button and know peace.

Do You Need a Sunrise Alarm Clock?

Need? Probably not.

But this is exactly the kind of gadget I like: one that takes an annoying part of everyday life and makes it slightly nicer.

If you already bounce out of bed every morning feeling refreshed and delighted to greet the day, congratulations. I don't understand you, but congratulations.

For the rest of us, waking up to a gradual glow instead of an alarm screaming from the darkness sounds pretty appealing.

Maybe mornings don't need to be quite so hostile.