Vibration or sound: which alarm works for your mornings?

Quick answer

A vibrating wrist alarm signals through touch. A sound alarm is audible in the room. The better choice depends on which signal wakes you reliably.

Separate the alarm signal from grogginess

A quieter signal may feel less abrupt. How long it takes to feel alert also depends on wake timing and recent sleep. Sleep inertia research does not establish that a wrist vibration removes morning grogginess.

Compare signals on low-stakes mornings

At similar wake times on two mornings, record whether the first signal works and whether it disturbs anyone nearby. Keep a sound backup for your first vibration test and wear the device as directed. If you keep sleeping through alarms despite enough sleep, get the issue checked.

Keep reading

• How to wake up without disturbing your partner
• Tired after eight hours of sleep: what should you look at?
• RISE vibrating alarm wristband

Sources

• Hilditch & McHill — Sleep inertia: current insights
• BJSM — Sleep and the athlete: expert consensus