The search for the ideal alarm clock may be seen as a rather low-stakes activity. Does it get you out of bed at the time you specify? If so, that’s fine. Basically, it achieves its intended purpose. However, as the study of sleep grows in popularity, so do the means by which we can be roused from slumber. Hello, and welcome to the wonderful realm of awakening.
If you have no trouble getting out of bed but finding that a harsh alarm has a significant negative effect on your disposition for the day, you may want to consider switching to a more soothing alarm. The kind that gently plays pleasant music or gradually increases in volume to grab your attention. Or with light; certain alarm clocks gradually brighten as the wake-up time approaches, which some people find relaxing because it’s easier to get out of bed when the room is already well-lit.
Essential Features to Look For Exhibit
Display
The screen of an alarm clock is among its most crucial components. Display numbers should be big enough to see in the dark with or without glasses and bright enough to see in the dark without keeping you awake. Display color also plays a surprising role in how well you can sleep. However, red and orange digits are less likely to be easily visible in the dark. Dimmability, however, was determined to be more crucial than color. The greatest alarm clocks have a way to darken the screen, either manually or automatically. The best analog alarm clock has large, legible numerals and hands that can be read in any lighting condition (day or night) thanks to the inclusion of features like backlighting.
Customizability
Good alarm clocks are uncomplicated and straightforward to set and use, but they nevertheless include a variety of features. You should be able to customize your waking experience by setting your own alarm and snooze times, as well as adjusting the volume and brightness of the screen. Modifications should be simple and accessible with a single click. More than ten minutes spent fiddling with the alarm clock’s settings indicates that it is not user-friendly.
Life of Battery/Power Source
The greatest alarm clocks may be charged either by batteries or by plugging into a wall socket, making them convenient for travel. It’s important to consider how you’ll be using your alarm clock before settling on a particular model. If you don’t plan on moving it from your nightstand, a battery-free model should work nicely. A battery backup will keep the time and date so you won’t miss your alarm even if the power goes out, therefore it’s best to pick an alarm clock with both features.
Additional Functions
In addition to serving as a timepiece and sounding an alarm, alarm clocks can provide a variety of other features that aren’t strictly necessary but are good to have. A radio, several alarm tones, Bluetooth connectivity, and smart features are all nice to have in a high-quality alarm clock, but they are by no means necessary. You should look for an alarm clock that offers the extra features you care about most, but you shouldn’t base your decision only on those characteristics.