6 days ago 4

The best alarm clock for heavy sleepers in 2025

Getting to sleep at a good time can be challenging for many, but for heavy sleepers, mornings can be even trickier. Waking up first thing to the sound of your 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. If this sounds like you, now that daylight saving time has returned, make it your goal to get your mornings off to a better start with consistent wake times.

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, the noise likely 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 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).

Update, Mar. 10, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our top pick for the best alarm clock for heavy sleepers remains unchanged.

Related: We've also rounded up a list of the best alarm clocks overall and a list of the best sunrise alarm clocks that help you wake up more naturally. You can track and improve your sleep hygiene with one of the best sleep trackers. We've put together lists of the best earplugs for sleeping, the best headphones for sleeping and the best white noise machines if you like falling asleep to nature or other sounds. If you want to try one of the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription, we have a list for that too. For those who need their sleeping space to be pitch dark, check out our lists of the best blackout curtains and shades and the best sleep masks.

Best alarm clock for heavy sleepers overall

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More alarm clocks for heavy sleepers we like in 2025

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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.

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.

"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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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."

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.

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.

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Other alarm clocks we tested

We also tested some other models that didn't make the cut:

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.
The Sharp vibrating alarm clock provided a strong vibration that could wake us up but didn't offer many sound options for alarms.

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