If your goal in 2025 is to become a better version of yourself, you should start with a good night's sleep and an even better morning. And if you're a heavy sleeper, you know that waking up first thing to the sound of you alarm can be painful. Sometimes, you don't even hear it sound off. And that spells disaster for your morning routine and daily stress levels.
Scientists aren't entirely sure why some people are heavier sleepers than others, but everyone falls somewhere on the spectrum of sleep arousal. Heavy sleepers need greater external stimulation to wake up due to their higher arousal threshold (a term that refers to anyone who is harder to wake up). Conversely, the slightest noise or movement can wake light sleepers, who have a lower arousal threshold.
For heavy sleepers who don't wake up easily to the sound of an alarm, it's likely that the noise doesn't rise to the threshold that's necessary for them to "check back in" to their environment. "Heavy sleepers might respond better to other stimuli, like gradual light from sunrise alarm clocks, vibrations from bed shakers or a combination of light and sound that slowly gets louder," says Shelby Harris, licensed clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. By using additional (or multiple) stimuli, those who are deeper sleepers have a greater chance of hitting the necessary arousal threshold they need to actually wake up.
Based on this expert advice (and my need to reliably wake up with my alarm), I set off on a quest to find the best alarm clock for heavy sleepers. I researched dozens of products, including extra-loud alarms, sunrise alarms and bed shakers, and selected eight options to test over the course of a month. I tried each product during nightly sleep and also daytime naps. Based on my experience and the reviews of other users, here are the best alarms for heavy sleepers that really will wake you up (and help you get to work on time).
Quick Overview
Table of contents
Update, Jan. 31, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our top pick for the best alarm clock for heavy sleepers remains unchanged.
Best alarm clock for heavy sleepers overall
Hatch
Type of alarm: Sunrise | Special features: Numerous sleep sounds, included power cord and sunrise alarms
The Hatch Restore 2 is the overall best alarm clock for heavy sleepers based on my testing. Not only did it consistently wake me up, I really like the design and aesthetic — it isn't an eyesore on my nightstand! I appreciate the minimalist design and intuitive buttons on the top. And as someone who doesn't sleep with my phone in my bedroom, I like that I can set the alarm clock manually with preset "rest" or "rise" routines to help me drift off to sleep at night and wake up in the morning — no app or phone required.
As a heavy sleeper, I've always found it interesting that I can't fall asleep without some type of white noise playing. While I based my results on whether each alarm clock could wake me up, the fact that the Hatch Restore 2 offers options for white, pink, green and brown noise to fall asleep to is a nice bonus. I didn't have to use both an alarm clock and a white noise machine — it's a two-for-one deal.
Setting up the "rise" routine is simple. You decide what time you want to wake up and set a routine for the gradual sunrise alarm (which adjusts from orange light to yellow, then white) to peak at your desired wake-up time. You can elect to accompany the sunrise with sounds of your choosing (like chirping birds), traditional alarm sounds or music.
I had never tried a sunrise alarm before testing this one, and even though I sleep with an eye mask, the light from the clock gradually brightened and was strong enough to wake me up naturally when the alarm sound chimed. Compared to the typical loud alarms I've become desensitized to, this one worked gently with my circadian rhythm, and the combined effects of light and sound were definitely effective at rousing me from sleep.
You can use the free Hatch Sleep app to operate the clock if you're more tech-savvy. I didn't opt for the Hatch+ subscription ($4.99/month), but it provides sleep-friendly features like meditation content, sleep tracking and smart home compatibility. You can try it risk-free with the 30-night trial. Personally, the app wasn't a priority for me, but it's a handy addition for those looking for more functionality.
At $170 it's certainly on the higher end pricewise, but it packs in a lot of features compared to simpler clocks and may be able to help improve your entire sleep routine, not just your morning alarm.
More alarm clocks for heavy sleepers we like in 2025
Bellman
Type of alarm: Bed shaker | Special features: Can notify about calls and texts, rechargeable lithium battery, snooze strap and on-off switch
As Harris mentioned, heavy sleepers may need more external stimuli targeting their various senses (not just their hearing) to wake up effectively. Given this advice, I tested a bed-shaking (vibrating) alarm clock. The Vibio Portable Bluetooth Bed Shaker is compact, measuring about 4 inches square and less than an inch thick. Its quilted design resembles a mattress section, and it's designed to slide right under your pillow to ensure you'll feel it vibrating when it goes off.
Setting it up through its app was a breeze, and after putting it to the test, I found that its vibrations effectively woke me up every morning. In fact, I found that this physical stimulus was a better fit for me and my needs than any traditional alarm. Likewise, it would be a good option for anyone who is hard of hearing.
As someone who prefers not to lift a finger to hit snooze, I also found the bed shaker's pull tab feature incredibly convenient. All you have to do is tug the tab to enjoy nine more minutes of sleep, and to turn the alarm off completely you simply tug it twice.
Beyond its function as an alarm clock, I also like that you can set it to vibrate for text messages and phone calls. This isn't the best for nightly rest, but it comes in handy during midday naps when you might need to be available for important calls.
That said, it's not a perfect device. First of all, it doesn't function as an alarm clock in the traditional sense in that it's not a clock at all. It simply goes off when it's set to vibrate. If you're in need of a bedside clock to see the current time, this bed shaker will leave you in the dark (literally). Another issue is that you have to remember to charge it via the micro USB port. On days I forgot, the device would die overnight and fail to wake me up — a major problem on days when I had appointments scheduled. While I really like the bed shaker, it may work best as a secondary alarm rather than a sole option.
Peakeep
Type of alarm: Bell | Special features: Built-in night-light, vintage look, twin bell-and-hammer design and easy-to-turn dials
Despite my being able to sleep through most alarms, this analog alarm clock from Amazon is loud enough to wake me up. At just $15 it's a steal, and while it's not a tech-forward option, there's a lot to like about it.
For starters, it's nice and tiny and fits perfectly on the corner of a nightstand. It also comes in 16 different colors and styles, from retro black to lime green, making it easy to find one that matches your bedroom aesthetic — I ordered mine in pink. The traditional clockface is also easy to read, thanks to the large numbers (of course, if you prefer a digital display, this won't be a good fit).
Setting the alarm itself is also straightforward, thanks to the easy-to-use dials on the back. This clock doesn't need to be plugged in or charged, so you don't have to worry about power outages interfering with your morning wake-ups. But more than anything, the noise level of the alarm stands out — it's louder than any other clock I've tried, and its metal bell-and-hammer design offers a sound that differentiates itself from digital alarms or phone tones. It cut straight through my deepest sleep to jolt me awake. One other nice feature? It doesn't have the annoying ticking sound that many analog clocks have.
That said, the $15 price tag means it's not a fully loaded option. It only allows for one alarm, not multiple settings like on digital clocks. It also doesn't have any of the sleep features or added tools like the more tech-forward options on this list.
Momcozy
Type of alarm: Sunrise | Special features: Auto-off timer, adjustable brightness, sunrise features and built-in snooze
Many sunrise alarm clocks (like our top pick, the Hatch Restore 2) offer a gentle and effective way for deep sleepers to wake up, thanks to the light stimulus. Unfortunately, they often come with hefty price tags over $100. This Sunrise Sound Machine is less than a third of the price of the Hatch Restore 2 and still does the trick, waking me up with ease.
The sunrise effect works more or less the same as the Hatch version — based on the chosen alarm time, the light brightens gradually to mimic a natural sunrise. Even though I wore an eye mask, I could sense the increasing brightness, which led to a more peaceful wake-up when the alarm sounded at the given time. That said, this light doesn't change from a dark orange light to a bright white light; rather, it stays within the orange range, which may not be as effective at waking the heaviest of sleepers.
In terms of alarm sounds, you can choose between 17 nature sounds, three fan sounds, seven baby sounds and three white noises. The clock also doubles as a night-light with seven color options, making it a good choice for kids and adults. The LED display is also bright enough to see it easily at night but not so bright it kept me awake, which is a huge plus.
The main downside is the placement of the volume adjustment buttons, which are located on the back of the alarm. This makes them tricky to reach, especially when you're winding down at the end of the day. Also, it lacks some of the higher-tech features offered by the Hatch Restore 2 — it doesn't have an app or Bluetooth connectivity, so you can't sync it with your phone to play your favorite playlists or to track your sleep patterns.
Still, for $50, it's a solid investment for those who struggle to wake up to typical alarms.
Loftie
Type of alarm: 2-phase | Special features: 100+ sounds, connects to Bluetooth, offers meditations and breathwork tracks, sleek design, "blackout" mode
With its sleek design and digital screen, the Loftie resembles many modern alarm clocks. As someone prone to hitting the snooze button, I was drawn to this alarm clock for its two-phase alarm system. Essentially, this alarm goes off twice — once in a more low-key way to kind of prime your body to wake up, and a second time in a "get up" phase that's louder and more persistent. I liked this because it gave me more time to get up without the fear of running late, and even if I sort of slept through the first alarm, it seemed to grease the system so that I was more prepared to actually wake up with the second, louder alarm.
The alarm can be set up in the Loftie app alongside the volume settings, but you can also do everything manually with the buttons on the alarm itself — this encourages you to leave your phone outside the bedroom. If you're sensitive to light, you can select "blackout mode," which turns off the clockface, leaving your room in darkness.
Aside from serving as an alarm clock, the Loftie also offers sleep-friendly sounds and settings (much like the Restore 2) to help you unwind for bed. Personally, I like the white noise and guided meditations as they helped me get into the proper headspace to go to sleep. It's worth mentioning that you can also opt into the $5 per month Loftie+ app subscription, although its added features, like AI-generated bedtime stories, didn't seem all that intriguing to me.
Types of alarm clocks for heavy sleepers
There is a wide range of alarm clocks available for heavy sleepers. Each type offers distinct features to suit different preferences and needs.
Analog
Analog clocks are a great choice for those who prefer to avoid tech-centric alarms. They offer a clear, visual way to gauge the time between now and your next task or alarm.
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If you avoid having a phone in the bedroom or prefer a tech-free sleep environment, an analog clock is an excellent solution.
An extra-loud alarm clock is a solution for heavy sleepers who need stronger stimuli to wake from deep sleep. However, it's crucial to ensure the volume isn't excessively high, as prolonged exposure to loud sounds may harm your hearing over time.
Vibrating
A vibrating alarm clock is an excellent choice if you need a physical prompt to wake up rather than loud sounds. These clocks are handy for those who are hard of hearing, as they may not readily detect auditory alarms.
Before purchasing, it's important to consider the intensity of the vibration, especially if you share a bed with a partner. Finding the right balance of strong vibrations and localized operation is crucial in ensuring you wake up on time without disrupting others. Wrist-worn vibrating alarms may come in handy for individuals sleeping with a bed partner.
Sunrise or light therapy
According to Sarah Silverman, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist, heavy sleepers may benefit from sunrise alarm clocks or light therapy devices. Leveraging artificial light sources may boost alertness and reduce sleep inertia upon waking.
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"Some sunrise alarms offer settings that allow users to customize the light's intensity and duration, making it possible to find a level that does not trigger discomfort," says Sanam Hafeez, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "Additionally, choosing a model with a soft, warm light rather than a harsh, bright light can help minimize any potential irritation."
Coffee
A coffee alarm clock might do the trick for heavy sleepers needing an extra push to get out of bed. These unique devices brew a fresh cup of piping-hot coffee when the alarm goes off, offering more than just a sound to wake you.
The smell and anticipation of coffee can activate multiple senses, giving you an enticing reason to wake up and stay awake. While these clocks can be pricier, they could be worth the investment for those struggling with getting up on time and needing extra motivation to start the day.
Smart alarm clocks
Smart alarm clocks are ideal for tech-savvy individuals who want to access different alarms, meditation practices, light settings and other advanced features.
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Some smart alarm clocks, like the Hatch Restore 2, can be set to your preferences to help promote sleep and wakefulness to improve your overall sleep habits and get you into a routine.
Factors to consider when purchasing an alarm clock
When selecting the best alarm clock for heavy sleepers, it's essential to think about which features align with your sleeping habits and needs. Here are some considerations:
Severity of sleep inertia: It's common for heavy sleepers to sleep through alarms, and it's usually tied to more pronounced sleep inertia. "That is the period of grogginess upon waking as a result of the transition from sleep into wakefulness," says Silverman. "Sleep inertia is normal to experience for everyone, but it usually dissipates within 15 to 20 minutes of waking up for most folks. Heavy sleepers are more likely to experience longer periods of sleep inertia and may experience sleep inertia lasting more than 30 minutes up to a few hours."
If you struggle with the transition from sleep to wakefulness and you regularly hit the snooze button (or just fall back asleep completely), you may need multiple stimuli to truly wake up. Recognizing how you respond to different types of alarms, including those with light, sound, smell and vibration, is essential to managing sleep inertia effectively and finding the best alarm for you.
Sensory preferences: Some people may respond well to the jolt of a loud alarm in the morning, while others might prefer a gentler, more gradual approach to waking up.
"Strong scents from aromatherapy diffusers or a subtle bed movement might wake heavy sleepers more effectively by engaging different sensory pathways," says Hafeez. "These methods offer a less intrusive way to rouse someone from deep sleep compared to loud or abrupt sounds."
In addition to touch and smell, many people find light a key factor in waking up, which explains the growing popularity of sunrise alarm clocks. "People with light sensitivity can use sunrise alarm clocks because they gradually get brighter, like a natural sunrise," says Harris. "This may help wake them up gently, reducing the shock to the eyes from sudden bright light."
Roommates or partners: Sharing a space with a partner or roommate can make choosing an alarm clock tricky, especially if you have different schedules. A loud or vibrating alarm might disturb your bed partner, interfering with their sleep schedule and needs. Finding an alarm clock that suits both parties, like a sunrise clock or one with adjustable volume and vibration settings, can help ensure everyone's sleep needs are met without sacrificing your ability to wake up on time.
Budget: Deciding whether to splurge or save is essential when shopping for an alarm clock. Prices for alarm clocks vary widely — this list ranges from as little as $15 all the way up to $170. Higher-end models often feature customizable settings and advanced options such as white noise, sunrise and sunset lighting and longer battery life.
That said, just because an alarm clock is cheaper doesn't mean it's less effective. Affordable models can still perform well, and shopping during sales events could land you a great deal.
How we chose the best alarm clocks for heavy sleepers
To identify the best alarm clocks for heavy sleepers, I consulted with sleep experts and a neuropsychologist to understand what causes heavy sleeping and which types of alarm clocks work best for people who need extra help waking up.
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Over a month, I tested eight models to see which clocks could wake me up effectively and prepare me to start the day. As a heavy sleeper prone to sleeping through sounds and external noises, this made the testing process more challenging but also more representative of what other heavy sleepers might experience.
FAQs
What is considered a heavy sleeper?
According to Michael Breus, PhD, clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, many factors play a role in determining whether a person is a heavy sleeper. These include things like age, gender, hormones, food intake, medical status, medications, hydration levels, alcohol and drug consumption, sleep disorders and genetics. For instance, someone who isn't naturally a heavy sleeper might become more difficult to rouse after a night of heavy drinking or while taking certain medications.
Heavy sleepers tend to sleep through alarms because they are deeply immersed in slow-wave sleep, a stage where their brains are less responsive to external sounds. "This deep stage of sleep reduces their sensitivity to stimuli, making it difficult for alarms to rouse them," says Hafeez.
Will a loud alarm clock damage my hearing?
A loud alarm clock can risk hearing health if it regularly produces high-volume sounds. "Repeated exposure to loud noises harms the delicate structures in the inner ear, particularly the cochlea's hair cells responsible for hearing," says Hafeez. "Even brief encounters with very loud sounds, such as from an extremely loud alarm, can result in immediate hearing damage, including issues like tinnitus or temporary hearing impairment."
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The damage may increase if the alarm is placed close to the ear or set at an uncomfortably high volume. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, sounds at 85 decibels — roughly the volume of a food blender — can lead to hearing loss if you listen to them for more than eight hours.
To be clear, an alarm clock won't damage your hearing after one use. However, consistent use over many years can have a negative impact. Therefore, using alarm clocks with adjustable volume controls and avoiding exposure to overly loud noises is recommended to reduce the risk of hearing damage.
How do I stop sleeping through my alarm?
You can't necessarily teach yourself to stop sleeping through your alarm. However, you can try different methods of arousing the senses to see if your body responds better.
Silverman suggests boosting your wake-up routine by incorporating a sunrise alarm to increase light exposure gradually. She also says you can use energizing scents (citrus and mint are popular options) to help invigorate you in the morning. These sensory cues can help stimulate your body and mind for a more refreshing start to the day.
Can I use a sunrise alarm clock if I have light sensitivity?
If you have light sensitivity, you can likely still use a sunrise alarm clock. Silverman explains, "The light emitted from sunrise alarm clocks is usually at a low lux level that is not as intense or at the same frequency as natural light." For instance, sunrise alarms typically emit around 300 lux compared to 10,000 lux from actual sunlight, so this lower intensity makes them generally well tolerated.
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However, she cautions that if you have any specific medical eye conditions or concerns, it's always best to check with your doctor before incorporating an artificial-light-emitting device into your daily routine.
Are app-controlled alarm clocks reliable?
Generally, app-controlled alarm clocks are dependable if you have a stable internet connection and a functioning smartphone. However, in situations where Wi-Fi or your phone isn't accessible, it might be worth keeping a backup option like the Peakeep Loud Analog Alarm Clock on hand. These analog options operate independently and don't rely on internet, Bluetooth or even electricity to run — this helps ensure you won't miss your alarm in case of tech issues.
Other alarm clocks we tested
We also tested some other models that didn't make the cut:
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The Clocky is ideal for heavy sleepers who need an extra nudge to get up in the morning. Unlike with traditional clocks, you can't just hit snooze — you have to get out of bed to turn it off as it rolls away on wheels! While the concept is clever and fun, it falls short in terms of practicality for adults who may not want to chase an alarm first thing in the morning. However, kids will likely find it entertaining, making it a more appealing option for younger users who enjoy a playful start to their day.
The touch-sensor bedside lamp can play music with its Bluetooth connectivity and turn different colors, but the alarm was lackluster and not very loud — not great for us heavy sleepers.
