If you sleep through morning alarms and show up late to work, school, or just coffee with a friend, it’s probably time to invest in a new alarm clock. However, a standard alarm clock might not do the trick—if you’re a heavy sleeper, an alarm clock that’s especially loud, vibrates, or even runs away as you try to hit that snooze button one more time could be required.
The best alarm clock for heavy sleepers doesn’t make it easy to stay in bed when it’s time to wake up—no more sleeping through the alarm. Read on to learn about the important factors to consider as you shop for one of these unique alarm clocks, and discover a selection of products that are among the best you can buy.
- BEST OVERALL: Sonic Bomb Dual Extra Loud Alarm Clock
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock – Digital LED Clock
- BEST SMART PICK: Amazon Echo Show 5 — Smart display with Alexa
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: Screaming Meanie 220 Alarm Clock and Timer
- BEST LIGHT THERAPY: Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light, Colored Sunrise
- BEST MOVING: Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels
- BEST FOR KIDS: Plumeet Digital Alarm Clocks – Kids Clock with Snooze
- BEST VIBRATING: PPLEE Vibrating Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker
- BEST WITH NIGHT-LIGHT: Mesqool Alarm Clock for Bedrooms 7 Color Night Light
- BEST WITH PROJECTOR: Mesqool Projection Digital Alarm Clock, Large LED
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Alarm Clock for Heavy Sleepers
The best alarm clock for heavy sleepers depends on a variety of factors. At a minimum, consider the sound and tone options, analog versus digital display, and the power source. Then, think about additional and more unique features, like rolling, vibrating, projecting, and sunrise simulating options. For techies who want electronics in the house paired with smart devices, there are choices for you, too.
Analog vs. Digital
A digital alarm clock displays illuminated numbers, making it easy to tell the time in the middle of the night or when you wake up groggy in the morning. However, this same illumination can interrupt restful sleep, so dimmer features can help with this issue.
An analog alarm clock uses traditional gears to move the hour and minute hands. Unlike a digital alarm clock, no lights brighten the number display, so reading the time in the dark or without glasses is difficult. However, for those who enjoy sleeping in pitch dark, this might be the better choice.
Type
Alarm clocks are available in various types that differ in functionality.
- Traditional digital and analog alarm clocks wake up sleepers with loud noises that blast through the morning silence.
- Radio alarm clocks emit the sound of a favorite radio station or streaming service.
- Shaking and vibrating alarm clocks, as the name suggests, shake and vibrate to wake up sleepers, usually via a vibrating disc or pad placed under the pillow or mattress. They are ideal for anyone who sleeps through the sound of an alarm, no matter how loud. This type of alarm clock is also well suited to deaf individuals and the elderly, who may be hard of hearing.
- Rolling alarm clocks actually move away from sleepers who are desperate to hit snooze, instead forcing them out of bed to catch the clock and turn it off.
- Projection alarm clocks project the time on the wall or the ceiling; there’s no need to roll over in bed to see the time when the alarm sounds.
- Sunrise alarm clocks simulate the sunrise and gradually brighten up a bedroom. Since humans are preprogrammed to wake up with the sun, this is a more gentle and natural way to greet the morning.
- Combination alarm clocks include multiple options to wake heavy sleepers when only one method won’t do the job, as in a loud noise paired with a shaking or rolling alarm clock.
Power Source
Alarm clocks can be plugged into an electrical outlet, operate solely on battery power, or feature a combination of the two. The ideal option is a corded alarm clock with a battery backup to ensure the alarm still sounds even if there’s a power outage in the middle of the night, preventing you from missing an important meeting or a fun adventure. Most battery backups also maintain the clock’s correct time, eliminating the need to reset it once the power returns.
Connectivity
Alarm clocks offer a variety of connectivity options these days, such as connecting to a smartphone app, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa, for example. For individuals with smart devices throughout the home, a connected alarm clock is just the start of the day. Watch TV, listen to an audiobook, follow a recipe, and get the news and weather and traffic report all before leaving the house in the morning via smart devices.
Some clocks provide USB ports to charge your phone during the night and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the device to play music or listen to podcasts.
Sound
Many alarm clocks offer sounds and tones to wake up to each morning, including natural sounds like chirping birds and rain, traditional beeps, and for heavy sleepers, sounds to shock an individual out of deep sleep. For music aficionados, find an alarm clock with conventional FM radio or one that pairs a smartphone to start the day with your favorite playlist.
For alarm clocks that emit a traditional beeping noise, the sound is measured in decibels (dB). A standard alarm clock sounds at about 80 dB, which is loud enough to irritate but sometimes not loud enough to pull a heavy sleeper from slumber for long. However, some alarm clocks are as loud as 120 dB. To put that into perspective, a pneumatic drill is about 100 dB, a rock concert is between 105 dB and 110 dB, and firecrackers are between 140 dB and 150 dB.
If you have another person (especially one who isn’t a heavy sleeper) or a pet sleeping in the same bed, consider their preferences as well to avoid waking them up on the proverbial wrong side of the bed.
Display and Backlight
A prominent and brightly lit display makes it easier to see the time from anywhere in the room and focus on the time when you’re half asleep. Still, it’s essential to consider the brightness and type of light display. A display with an overly bright light might keep you awake at night, which defeats the purpose since you’ll be less likely to hear that morning alarm. For that reason, some clocks offer a dimming option to set the brightness at a level that won’t disturb sleep.
As for the type of light, blue light is known to negatively affect sleep. Look instead for an alarm clock that uses amber, red, or orange light to ensure a more restful sleep.
Additional Features
While a well-loved feature, a snooze button can cause issues with waking up on time, but it can still come in handy when you just need those 5 extra minutes of sleep. Heavy sleepers should still consider buying an alarm clock that doesn’t have a snooze button, or one that lets you press it only once.
Our Top Picks
The best alarm clock for heavy sleepers can get the day started with less stress, helping to reduce the chances of oversleeping and missing important appointments and events. The top picks for these unique products were selected according to the abovementioned criteria, in addition to overall quality and value, and they represent a variety of categories. Keep reading to discover some of the top-rated products on the market to greet the morning on time.
Photo: amazon.com
This 113-dB alarm clock from Sonic Bomb boasts a variety of options to wake up heavy sleepers. It features settings for two separate alarm clocks (for a pair of heavy sleepers), and each offers customizable snooze options between 1 and 30 minutes. Adapt the tone and the volume to suit the individual user.
Alternatively, place the adjustable strength 12-volt bed shaker under the pillow or mattress and wake up via vibration without disturbing others in the room. The shaker alarm option is ideal not only for heavy sleepers but also for deaf individuals and the elderly, who may be hard of hearing.
The built-in bright red flashing strobe light and the battery backup can also ensure waking up on time. Users can control the brightness of the display with a five-level dimmer. The alarm clock is available in seven colors, and the clearly labeled knobs, switches, and buttons make it easy to operate. It also incorporates green power technology that uses 60 percent less energy despite the multitude of features.
Photo: amazon.com
Wake up naturally with this sunrise alarm clock from hOmeLabs. This reasonably priced alarm clock emits a warm LED light that gradually brightens for 30 minutes before the alarm goes off to gently wake a sound sleeper. It’s still customizable, however, and users can choose from three brightness levels. The light can also dim the room, thus acting as a night-light.
Additionally, users can wake to one of the alarm clock’s natural sounds, including chirping birds, the ocean, or a lullaby, or heavier sleepers can crank up the volume and wake to a preset FM radio station. The easy-to-hit (even when still groggy) snooze button turns off both the light and the sound for 5 minutes so the user can temporarily slip back into dreamland.
The alarm clock boasts eight colorful light options suitable for an adult’s or a child’s bedroom and can double as a bedside lamp. It also provides a convenient USB port.
Photo: amazon.com
The Echo Show 5 from Amazon is an alarm clock and more. Wake up to an ambient sunrise in the morning, or select music or a podcast from a host of streaming services to start the day. The 5.5-inch home screen displays large digital numbers to make it easy to tell the time in addition to the date and the local temperature. Users can customize the background of the home screen to several fun clock-face designs or choose photographs from their Amazon Photos account.
Then users can plan the rest of the day. This alarm clock pairs with Amazon Alexa, so users can take advantage of video chatting with family and friends, watching movies, listening to news and weather forecasts, and managing daily routines. Govern privacy settings by turning off the microphone and camera with the press of a button, and cover the camera with the built-in shutter. While on, nothing said goes to the cloud until the device detects the wake word “Alexa.”
Photo: amazon.com
The Screaming Meanie Alarm Clock takes after its name with three settings of 70 dB, 90 dB, and 120 dB. The highest-decibel setting sounds like a chainsaw going off at close range. Not only is this alarm clock loud, but it also requires the use of two hands to disable the alarm—no simple reach-over-and-hit-snooze option is available. Don’t worry; the clock does include a pre-alarm feature if a little extra sleep is needed.
To set the alarm before bed, simply set the countdown timer for the hours and minutes of required sleep, and then be prepared for a literal rude awakening. Use the clock as a timer throughout the day, as it’s especially well suited to noisy environments. The alarm clock boasts durable construction and a 30-foot drop test. It takes a 9-volt battery (not included) and also glows in the dark.
Photo: amazon.com
The Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light alarm clock simulates natural light for waking up and falling asleep. In the morning, the light slowly brightens 30 minutes before the alarm goes off. At night, when users turn off the bedroom light, the Philips light then slowly dims to simulate the setting sun. The clock boasts 20 brightness settings to suit personal preferences.
Choose from FM radio or five nature-inspired sounds to complete the wake-up experience: forest birds, Buddha, yoga, ocean waves, and Nepal bowls. Tap anywhere on the light, and a 9-minute snooze begins. The display automatically adjusts to the brightness in the room so it’s always easy to see.
Photo: amazon.com
The Clocky Alarm Clock on wheels doesn’t provide the opportunity to sleep in late. After one snooze of 1 to 8 minutes, this alarm clock sets off around the house, beeping like a super-loud R2D2 robot until the user finally chases it down and disables the alarm. The clock runs, hides, moves, rolls, wheels, beeps, and jumps—just the right amount of annoying to get someone out of bed.
This durable alarm clock can jump off a 3-foot-high nightstand with ease and move around on both carpet and wood. The clock lights up in the dark to help track it down. It requires four AAA batteries (not included) and is available in seven colors: black, blue, chrome, navy, pink, red, and white.
Photo: amazon.com
This kids’ alarm clock from Plumeet features a large 3-inch digital display that’s easy to read. It shows the current time, the set wake-up time, the day, and the month. The simple controls in the back of the clock are kid-friendly, making it easy to control the display settings.
The alarm clock boasts an 8-minute snooze and a 5-second backlight that lights up when pressed. The ascending alarm starts at 20 dB and works its way up to 80 dB—the crescendo helps to safely jar a child out of sleep.
Operating with two AA batteries (not included), the clock also includes a protective and shockproof silicone cover that is versatile for both home use and tossing in an overnight bag for a trip to see the grandparents. Choose from five vibrant colors: black, blue, green, pink, and purple.
Photo: amazon.com
This vibrating alarm clock by PPLEE helps to wake the soundest sleepers, in addition to individuals who are deaf or elderly and hard of hearing. Set the alarm to use the vibrating disc, the noise buzzer, or both. When users select the vibration setting on the clock, they place the attached vibrating disc near their head (on the nightstand or under the pillow) to ensure they wake up when it begins to shake. Alternatively, the noise buzzer provides three volume settings—low, medium, and high.
The alarm clock features seven color night-light options for use as a bedside lamp. The oversize snooze button is simple to locate and provides 9 extra minutes of sleep, while the 7-inch display is easy to read and includes an adjustable full-range dimmer.
A power cord and a battery backup (using two AAA batteries, which are not included) ensure this clock remains on and the alarm remains set during a power failure. Use the two convenient USB ports to charge devices during the night.
Photo: amazon.com
This alarm clock by Mesqool boasts a seven-color night-light with cobalt blue, sky blue, oyster white, beige, shocking pink, khaki, and emerald green options. Users also have the option to turn off the night-light if they sometimes want to sleep in total darkness.
The alarm clock features a 7-inch display with full-range brightness and three volume settings of low, medium, and high. The loudest setting is 80 dB. The large 9-minute snooze button is difficult to miss for those who want a bit of extra sleep in the morning.
The power cord and battery backup (using two AAA batteries, which are not included) ensure the time and alarm remain set in case of a loss of power. Take advantage of the two USB ports at the back to charge devices in the middle of the night.
Photo: amazon.com
This projection alarm clock from Mesqool projects the time onto the wall or ceiling via a 180-degree swivel projector to provide a clear display to those lying in bed. Position the projector where it’s most convenient at a distance of between 1.6 and 9.8 feet from the alarm clock.
The 7-inch display includes a three-level dimmer to adjust the brightness and two alarm settings—use them individually for two separate people, or set the second one as a backup to ensure a smooth wake-up time. The alarm features five volume settings, and the snooze option offers an extra 9 minutes of sleep.
The alarm clock provides both a power cord and battery backup (using two AA batteries, which are not included) to avoid having to reset the time and alarm in the event of a power outage. The USB port allows for convenient overnight charging of devices.
FAQs About Alarm Clocks for Heavy Sleepers
For more information about the best alarm clock for heavy sleepers, check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If additional concerns arise, contact the manufacturer.
Q. How loud is an alarm clock in dB?
The average alarm clock is 80 dB, although some alarm clocks are as loud as 120 dB.
Q. What does the snooze button do on an alarm clock?
The snooze button gives you extra time to sleep. Some alarm clocks offer a snooze option as low as 1 minute, and others can reach up to 30 minutes, although a 9-minute snooze feature is the most common. Most alarm clocks allow you to hit the snooze button multiple times.
Q. How do I stop sleeping through my alarms?
Try waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This creates a routine sleep-wake cycle called a circadian rhythm to which your body will adapt and ultimately expect. You should also consider avoiding the snooze feature, as difficult as it may be. Many people fall victim to repeatedly hitting the snooze button and then continue to sleep right through work, school, and other morning commitments.
