Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#11

Post by gangorgasm » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 1:11 PM UTC

AnimalMuppet wrote: post #9

I use an alarm radio. But either its antenna is broken (old radio), or it's in a location (basement) where it can't pick up signal. Anyway, all it gets is static. White noise, not too loud, seems to work as a fairly gentle wake-up method.

You might have stumbled upon something, actually

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#12

Post by thorin » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 1:26 PM UTC

The least jarring method is to get enough sleep, food, water and exercise and don't set an alarm. I've started to use alarms when absolutely necessary recently, but since covid lockdowns I've been home based and either my kids wake me up or I naturally wake up in good time for work or whatever I have planned for the day. If this doesn't happen, you probably have some issues that you need to deal with. Of course I'll set an alarm if I have an important meeting or need to catch an early train or something, but that really hasn't happened that much in the last 5 years.

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#13

Post by pants2 » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 2:33 PM UTC

Two things that will help immensely:

1. Have sheer window blinds that let natural light in as the sun comes up.

2. Set your thermostat on a timer to raise the temperature in the room (or at least turn off AC) before you need to wake up.

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#14

Post by the__alchemist » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 3:43 PM UTC

Go to bed early enough so that your natural circadian rhythm wakes you up prior to your alarm most of the time. The alarm becomes a backup mechanism.

This isn't always feasible due to social obligations (Many people like hanging out late), but if you can do it, it is fantastic.

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#15

Post by shanecleveland » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 5:03 PM UTC

I use the silent mode on my Apple Watch. It does require topping off the battery in the early evenings and/or keeping it on the charger after I wake up until after showering.

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#16

Post by littlecranky67 » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 5:06 PM UTC

gangorgasm wrote: post #8

MaiaIva wrote: post #3

Watch alarm vibrations work pretty well for me, slow and delicate awakening experience.

Now need to find a vibrating alarm watch to try with

Xiaomi Mi band is cheap enough and has that feature

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#17

Post by littlecranky67 » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 5:07 PM UTC

I use a smart band (xiaomi mi band, 40€) for alarm vibration on the wrist. It is supposed to avoid deep sleep wakeups (if enabled, alarm within 20minute frame) but I dont use that.

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#18

Post by perryizgr8 » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 5:19 PM UTC

Ever since my wife and i had a baby we've never needed to set the alarm.

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#19

Post by sprobertson » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 6:29 PM UTC

Simply using a calmer custom alarm (some soft music that slowly builds) before the gunshot alarm

Re: Ask HN: Most effective and "non-invasive" morning wake up alarm method?

#20

Post by gangorgasm » Wed, Aug 21, 2024, 6:48 PM UTC

littlecranky67 wrote: post #16

gangorgasm wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Now need to find a vibrating alarm watch to try with

Xiaomi Mi band is cheap enough and has that feature

Great tip. Thanks much.