Supplied
In the fall, when mornings are slow to brighten and the clocks shift back, there’s a pull to linger a little longer under the covers. But the outside world rarely adjusts in kind – school bells still ring, meetings still start on time and the day begins whether the sun is up or not.
An alarm clock may not eliminate the pain of early mornings, but the right one can make them less jarring. The options, however, are vast – from traditional analog tickers and digital buzzers to ones that literally shake the bed and apps that double as bedside assistants.
According to Dr. Michael Mak, vice-president, clinical of the Canadian Sleep Society and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, alarm clocks aren’t just about waking up – they can support better rest. “Alarm clocks are good for sleep,” he says. “If we keep a consistent wake time, our circadian rhythm is more stable, leading to better sleep and mood. To do so, most people set an alarm.”
Yes, getting older changes your sleep. Here’s what you can do to help
To Mak, the best design for a clock is any that is effective. “There’s no evidence that certain types of clocks or alarms are better for health,” he says. “Any alarm is fine as long as it wakes you up.”
Still, some features may be more helpful – or harmful – than others. Andrew Holmes, a sleep consultant for the Ottawa Senators and founder of Sleep Efficiency Inc., cautions against using phones as alarm clocks unless they’re placed across the room. “It’s just too tempting to check an e-mail or get distracted in the middle of the night,” he says. “That detracts from sleep, which defeats the purpose.”
He also advises avoiding clocks with large glowing numbers that are easy to read in the dark. “Waking up before your alarm and seeing it’s 3 a.m. can be stressful,” he says. “Suddenly you’re doing math in your head, worrying about how much sleep you have left.” Instead, look for clocks with dimmable displays or muted designs that don’t encourage clock-watching.
Despite their popularity, sleep trackers don’t always lead to a better night’s rest
Another red flag: a large snooze button. “You don’t want to abuse the snooze,” says Holmes. “When you fall back asleep and then interrupt it again 10 or 15 minutes later, you break your normal sleep cycle too soon and enter what’s called sleep inertia. That’s what can make you feel groggy for hours after getting up.”
As a remedy, Greg Stirrett, president and CEO of Rebel Sleep Institute, a Canadian chain of sleep clinics, suggests using what is “often called sunrise or dawn-simulation alarms,” he says. “Devices that gradually brighten over 20 to 30 minutes, mimic natural morning light and can reduce grogginess and sleep inertia.”
Why? “They promote a smoother transition from sleep to wakefulness compared to traditional, abrupt alarms,” says Stirrett. “Over time, the goal is to wake naturally, with the alarm acting as a gentle safeguard rather than a jolt to the system.”
Six buys to try
When looking for an alarm clock this fall, consider options that are quiet and dark – at least until they need to wake you up.
Hatch Restore 3
More than just an alarm, the Hatch Restore 3 supports better sleep with a suite of soothing tools. Its fabric-covered face glows gently to mimic a sunrise in the morning. At night, it doubles as a white-noise machine, with options ranging from birdsong to rustling leaves to help you unwind.
Buying options
$230, buy at Best Buy
$169 from Hatch
DreamSky Small Digital Alarm Clock
With large, easy-to-read numbers and a screen that can dim to near-black, the DreamSky Small Digital Alarm Clock suits those who prefer not to know the time during the night. A built-in USB port makes it easy to charge a phone – ideally parked far from the bed.
Buying options
$40, buy on Amazon
$43 from Walmart
Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light
Designed to simulate the hues of a sunrise, the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light (HF3520) clock moves through warm tones – from red to orange to yellow to bright white – as wake-up time approaches. For heavier sleepers who need more of a wake-up call, five nature-inspired alarm sounds are included as backup.
Buying options
$239, buy at Best Buy
$139 from Well.ca
Oct17 Wooden LED Alarm Clock
Minimalist and modern, the Oct17 Wooden LED Alarm Clock disguises its LED display behind a veneer of wood until it is time to wake. Numbers glow softly through the surface only when the alarm is active or motion is detected. It plugs in but includes a backup battery – helpful during overnight power outages.
Buying options
$32, buy at Walmart
$31 from Amazon
Newgate Wideboy Alarm Clock
Retro in style but modern in function, the Newgate Wideboy Alarm Clock features a silent second hand – no ticking to interrupt your rest – and omits a snooze button altogether.
Buying options
$138 from Amazon
$84 from Wind Up
Loftie Alarm Clock
Perfect for those with irregular schedules, the Loftie Alarm Clock connects to a companion app that lets users set different alarms for different days – or multiple alarms in a single day.
Buying options
$245, buy at loftie.com
$205 from Holt Renfrew
