7 Best Alarm Clocks for Heavy Sleepers, According to a Sleep Expert

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Not everyone can be a morning person. Some people (us included) feel the pull to stay in bed pretty strongly. To get up and be productive, you might need one of the best alarm clocks for heavy sleepers. There are great alarm clocks on the market that create a soothing wake-up, like the Live Better Award–winning Hatch Restore 2. But sometimes bird sounds just don't cut it. We wanted to find the optimal alarm type and decibel level for heavy sleepers, so we reached out to New York–based sleep psychologist Janet Kennedy, PhD, for advice.

There are plenty of loud alarm clocks for heavy sleepers, including phone apps that make you solve a math problem and rolling clocks you have to chase around the room. "You want sort of the least intrusive thing that works, but if you really need something to rattle your cage, then it's more important to get up than to worry about being roused gently," says Kennedy. "Even the gentlest of alarms for the easiest waker doesn't mean that person feels fantastic the moment they wake up. Sometimes we just have to get used to being awake, and it takes a few minutes to feel like a human being again. Some people wake up like they're in a cereal commercial, but not everybody."

The decibel level of alarm clocks can get pretty high, though, so you might be worried about the alarm doing more harm than good. Kennedy says a loud alarm is just part of training your body to wake up. "You might need to be a little harsh when you first start," she explains. "After you train yourself, you might be able to dial back on the harshness."

Ahead, we've rounded up the best alarm clocks for heavy sleepers, so you can kiss the snooze button goodbye.

Alarm Clock on Wheels

Most alarm clocks sit within reach on your nightstand. This one will actually run away from you. It can fall from a height of up to 3 feet and start rolling around your bedroom and rotating all while beeping like a spaceship. You'll be on a mission trying to catch it—and you'll be awake by the time you do.

Sonic Bomb Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

This alarm clock lives up to its name. At 113 dB, it has the decibel level of a rock concert. As if that weren't enough, it comes with an optional bed shaker. Just place the included puck underneath your mattress, and the vibrations will shake you awake in the morning. The 25,000 five-star reviews don't lie.

Shock Clock 2

If the name didn't tip you off to its intensity, this clock is only for people who are ready to take drastic measures to wake up on time. An adjustable electric charge gives you a literal jolt to get out of bed, and the connected app will give you prompts like jumping jacks to turn off the alarm. A wearable alarm like this one is also great for people who share a bed. "It's just kinder and will probably lead to less stressful mornings from an interpersonal dynamic perspective," Kennedy says.

Super Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

"If you're like me, using your phone as your alarm clock leaves you with a reduced battery," says associate shopping editor Janae McKenzie. Save some real estate on your nightstand and power up with this alarm clock that charges your phone and has a vibrating feature. It also has dual alarms so you can set two different wake times and an optional bed shaker.

Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock

If you want to wake up feeling like you're in a Disney movie, this classic analog alarm clock with twin ringing bells is the right fit for you. You won't hear any annoying ticking hands throughout the day, but the bells get plenty loud when the time comes.

Barisieur Coffee Alarm Clock

If you've ever scheduled coffee to brew overnight, you know just how strong that scent can hit first thing in the morning. This coffee alarm clock will do you one better and brew you a fresh cup bedside. Its induction boiler will activate as your alarm goes off, boiling water for a pour-over to wake you up. There's even a little carafe to keep your milk cool overnight.

Peakeep Smart Night Light Digital Alarm Clock with Indoor Temperature, Battery Operated Desk Small Clock (White)

"As someone who loves the snooze button and is a heavy sleeper, I need something annoying to rouse me," admits McKenzie. "This alarm clock gets louder and faster the longer it rings, instilling a sense of urgency in you to turn it off. It's battery powered and wireless, so it's easy to place it across the room to force myself to get up—a godsend in an old apartment with few outlets."

What Do Heavy Sleepers Need To Know?

According to Kennedy, there are two things heavy sleepers should remember when creating a wake-up routine: Find an alarm that wakes you up no matter what, and make sure to get up at the same time every day. Consistency is key.

"If you get up at the same time every day over a period of weeks, it starts to get easier to wake up naturally because your body clock wants to automate," Kennedy says. "If you're varying your wake-up time, then it doesn't really know what time it is for you, and that system that's in place there isn't helping you. You're kind of working against what your body wants to do."

Should You Use Your Phone as an Alarm Clock?

It's certainly convenient, but you're better off skipping the built-in phone alarm. Not only is it not great to have your phone right next to you first thing in the morning, but Kennedy says that "most phone tones aren't going to be enough to wake you if you're a really heavy sleeper, and it's very easy to turn them off."

Should You Hit Snooze?

The constant going back to sleep isn't great for your body's internal clock. Setting six or seven alarms might frustrate everyone else in your home, and Kennedy says you'll often end up feeling groggy anyway. Setting your alarm dramatically early isn't helping either.

"Don't plan for 10 snoozes," Kennedy says. "That's not good sleep. It doesn't make you feel better. It's much better to get up with the first alarm, even if you just sit up for one snooze and get used to being awake for that 10 minutes before you have to put your feet on the floor."

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