Alarms play a significant role in our everyday lives. They help us set reminders, cook food, warn us of smoke, and keep us on track. But it is not always pleasant to feel startled by the beeping of a timed alarm. According to Sleep Station, in the morning as we are waking up, we are in a dazed and groggy state due to sleep inertia. To understand the concept of sleep inertia, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that it is the “transition from sleep to wake… a distinct state that is measurably different from wakefulness and manifests as performance impairments and sleepiness.” When we are woken up by an alarm clock, we are put in a state of shock. This shock or negative feeling is then associated with that same alarm sound repeatedly, day after day. So every morning when a person hears this sound, their mind becomes overwhelmed by the agenda, upcoming events, or just the thought of starting another day.

Now, this grumpy feeling doesn’t have to be the reality of every morning. Many suggestions and alternatives are available on the market. One of these is implementing a greater amount of morning light. CBC suggests getting outside within 1-2 hours after you wake up in order to help synchronize your circadian rhythm. This internal clock which helps regulate our 24-hour sleep-wake cycle can ultimately help people to wake up naturally and on-time. Some other ways to strengthen your circadian rhythm, provided by Sleep.org, are to steer clear of night work shifts and jet lag.

If wanting to purchase a more pleasant system,  Well+Good presents products which are still reliable but gentle at the same time:

• Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant with Sound Machine and Sunrise Alarm Clock: This alarm clock helps people wake up with the customizable zen light. It also has features such as touch control, volume and brightness buttons, and white noise.
• Silent Vibrating Personal Alarm Clock Shake-N-Wake: The vibrating alarm band mimics the features of a FitBit, but for a fraction of the cost. It can be worn on the wrist or detached under a pillow.
• Scent Diffusing Alarm Clock: In order to wake people up, it releases a pleasant scent that gets progressively stronger over the course of two minutes. This specific product comes with a 30-use bacon cartridge, and other scents are available for purchase.

Even though waking up by an average alarm doesn’t provide a positive feeling, there are numerous alternatives to get someone out the door. These substitutes can not only change your nightstand, but your mindset as well.