Last Updated on 4 November 2024 by Alisea Mae
For many individuals at the mercy of a tight morning schedule, a traditional alarm clock has always been the means of getting off to a fresh start. However, it leaves one startled, to say the least. The newest trend is to wake up to an all-natural sound (natural sound alarm), vision (projector clocks), smell (natural smell alarms), or gradually (sunrise alarms) that makes waking up feel unhurried. Some models even employ a snooze button! These natural alarm clocks are on the same wavelength as your body’s “natural rhythm.” There’s even a natural alarm wristband that can be worn at bedtime that records your sleep cycle!
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Not surprisingly, the popularity of natural alarm clocks is growing rapidly, and the demand for them is continuously increasing. Perhaps natural alarms will produce a whole new “un-grouch-able” generation.
Each type of alarm has its own special features, and most individuals have been pleased with the alarms they’ve purchased. Nonetheless, if you have not been aware of natural alarms or are considering buying one, here is an introduction to the various types of natural alarm clocks to help you choose the one that’s right for you. Reviews of the most popular types of natural alarms can be found elsewhere on this site by clicking on the relevant links.
Choosing the best natural alarm clock for you
Here is a quick guide to an assortment of natural alarm clocks available on the market today. If you are interested in purchasing one of these types of clocks, make certain that it suits your lifestyle, and you can’t go wrong.
Natural sound alarms
Sound therapy is something that we don’t see highlighted in mental health aids as much as light therapy. SAD lights and mood-boosting sunrise simulators are more mainstream now. We know from experiences with wake up lights that additional sound features are beneficial. Nature sounds like birds and rain alongside sunrise effects can work wonders for improving our mood. Many of us will also play audio files of some kind as a form of relaxation to help us get to sleep. Nature sounds, white noise apps and ASMR videos are increasingly in demand.
So, it makes sense that developers would take sounds and sound therapy concepts to create new products. There are lots of designs around that have innovative approaches to the use of audio triggers for stress relief, mood boosters in morning alarms and sleep aids. Some even offer a chance to add in sound cards or play pre-recorded files for personalisation. This is a genre of therapeutic alarms that can only continue to grow.
Pros
Consumers have been pleased with the natural sound alarm. Reports show units have a crisp sound quality with a broad range of choices. The sleep enhancement features soothe you to sleep gradually. This alarm is great for anyone with mild insomnia. Most styles are stylish and simple to operate. Clocks come with an AC adapter or 4x AA batteries. If the power goes out, the unit will automatically switch to battery power.
Cons
Difficulty setting due to button features. Some units allow you to set it forward but not backward. The only sound choice for waking is the one you fall asleep with. Some people would prefer different sounds for sleep and awake.
See my more detailed reviews of the Natural sound clocks elsewhere on the site.
Sunrise clock/dawn simulator
This type of natural alarm clock is a groundbreaking light and sound therapy tool. The clock softly illuminates the room from darkness to light as if a beautiful sunrise had taken place. As the light increases, tranquil natural sounds arouse your awareness of your environment. This type of alarm clock has been commended as an effective way to wake serenely from a night’s rest.
There are several designs you can choose from:
- The dawn simulator design has a bright feature to complete illumination at a set time.
- Another design links to your existing light and gradually brightens, mimicking a sunrise.
- A different concept merges the elements of a progressively emerging dawn while softly increasing the sound of a harmonizing radio.
- An alternative device brings in the dawn with delicate sounds of nature and/or standard alarm features found on most traditional alarm clocks.
Pros
The sunrise alarm clock features a hued sunrise simulation with a variety of bright settings. In most models, the light slowly increases between 20 to 40 minutes before your alarm time. The light also incorporates an option to wake up to a number of nature-inspired sounds. A light-responsive dim feature leads you to natural, tranquil sleep.
Cons
According to some reports, noise melodies on these units are not so becoming. Low resolution and sound samples could be improved. Checking backup power is important, as some models have no battery backup. Some consider this type of natural clock useful only during the winter months when days are shorter.
See my more detailed reviews of the Sunrise clocks elsewhere on the site.
SAD alarm clock
The best natural alarm clocks to wake up to usually include SAD light technology. SAD is the shorter term for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition that affects humans and some animals during the colder climates frequently during the autumn and winter season when days are shorter.
Lack of daylight can cause tiredness and depression and SAD light uses a certain light continuum to boost the body’s susceptibleness to revitalizing illumination. SAD light alarm clocks leave people refreshed by satisfying their need to light when it is needed most. When joined with sunrise alarm clocks, SAD light technology is actually one of the better systems for inspiring renewed energy and vitality.
Pros
SAD alarms give users a measure of sunshine and enhance their body’s sense of wellbeing. Alarms include an intense natural spectrum of daylight that alleviates symptoms linked to winter blues, shift work, jet lag fatigue, and seasonal time changes. Most units do not emit UV.
Cons
Some users claim that store-bought versions of SAD alarms are not as effective as medical professional units.
Sleep phase
This superbly designed natural alarm clock goes one step further in using nature. Tuning right into your personal biological clock, this clock incorporates a wristband that you wear at bedtime. When the clock switches on 30 minutes prior to your wake up time, the wristband will commence recording your sleep cycle and select the perfect moment to awaken you.
Research has proven that there are times during our sleep that are ideal for wakening revitalized, while other times can vehemently wake you from a dream-like state or heavy sleep and leave you feeling bemused and tired. This nature clock picks the right time for you to awaken at your best.
Pros
This innovative waking system gently awakens you at the right time when you are already nearly awake. Waking up is relaxing and refreshing. The sleep phase alarm clock awakens you synchronously with your inner clock. The alarm registers your personal optimal wake-up time through your body movements and awakens you within the final 30 minutes prior to your set waking time.
Your movements are sensed and assembled with a comforting towelling wristband and transmitted to your sleep phase alarm. Some clocks incorporate unique features like waking up people independently of each other, clever snooze features, analysis software for movement information, and uniquely developed sounds to fall asleep with, to name a few.
Cons
Data transfer cable and software sometimes need to be purchased separately.
Projector clock
Projector clocks allow you to view the time and sometimes the temperature on your wall or ceiling. There’s no need to strain your neck or look for your reading glasses to observe this clock. Most designs are simple to operate. It automatically sets the right time itself. In addition, it incorporates focusing adjustments to guarantee a precise image and rotates 180 degrees to change the position of the image permitting you to view the time from any position without moving the clock.
Pros
Projector clocks grant you a full view of the time and temperature on your wall or ceiling. Most designs are uncomplicated to get started. Moreover, focusing modifications ensure an accurate image with rotation capabilities of 180 degrees to alter the location of the image for more comfortable viewing.
Cons
The clock may have a hard time picking up a broadcast time signal. Some models may blink back and forth between time and temperature, which can be annoying for some people.
If a projector clock is the right alarm clock for you, I would recommend the Goloza projection clock which has an elegant and distinctive curved design.The Clock
Zen alarm clocks
Zen alarm clocks resonate with Tibetan bell chimes making waking up serene and refreshing. When the clock’s alarm is activated, the acoustic chime bar is struck only one time, a few minutes later it chimes again. The chime strikes gradually increase over 10 minutes until they strike every five seconds before shutting off.
As the chiming becomes more constant, the soft, relaxing sound awakens you every time. You can train your body to get used to waking up gradually and more naturally to soothing tones. Some call the Zen chime bell the “mindfulness bell.” The two most popular sounds are the Zen Tibetan and Zen Doorbell sounds.
Pros
The Zen alarm clock ushers in your day with serenity and tranquillity. The clock resonates progressive chords of mellow sounds directly into your being. It’s a perfect way to awaken to a great day.
Cons
There are really no cons about Zen clocks; however, the quality of the clock, where it was made, and various features can make a difference.
Although not a physical clock, you can buy an MP3 album called Buddhist Clock
What about natural clocks with aromas, light and sounds?
Natural alarm clocks that incorporate aromas, light, and sounds activate your senses to give you peace of mind and soothe the soul. Some models use several types of natural non-traditional settings such as aromatherapy, light therapy, and sound therapy, to produce a naturally invigorating ambience that will affect your mood in a positive manner.
Ultrasonic technology quietly disperses aroma, and a variety of colours harmonize with your favourite scents. A selection of several relaxing sounds, like ocean waves and rushing waterfalls, helps you to naturally relax. Some models leave room to add your favourite essential oil prior to bedtime giving you the pleasure to awaken to a pleasing scent and natural sound of your choosing.
The stunning multifunctional aroma clock has the ability to produce cool mist and is equipped with an LCD alarm, clock and volume control night light. The external volume will affect the colour of the voice-activated ambient night light. To help you have a good sleep, use the volcano diffuser and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
So, what do you want to wake up to?
Theodore Roethke was on to something when he wrote his most celebrated line “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.” When most people wake in the morning, they awaken to aggressive energy, pretty much on autopilot. By waking to a more natural setting without the sound of jarring bells and unnatural sounds, we give our minds the opportunity to start the day in a clearer state and make the most of what the day has to offer.
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