If you’re one of those people who dreads that shrill, persistent right of your morning alarm, you’re not alone! It’s not the best way to shake you out of slumber, but it’s one of life’s necessary evils. Through most of our lives, we’ve had to live by the clock - whether it’s your school schedule, classes in college, working life and for some, even into retirement - the clock has dictated when we wake up after a night’s sleep or a short catnap. 

In this day and age, it seems so much simpler to have all your tasks on a single device, be it your To Do lists, reminders, calendar, search engine, maps and more. The phone packs in so much, it’s handy to carry around and you need it anyway. 

Today most people use their phones to set alarms but there’s increasing awareness that this can be harmful in the long run. Phones on your bedside table or under your pillow are almost a part of the bedroom decor. So setting phone alarms seems to be the logical thing to do. 

The downside to this is that you need to have your phone with you when you go to bed and wake up. And there lies the problem - it’s far too tempting to check mail, scroll your newsfeed or check your social media before you drop off to sleep. The phone’s blue light can harm the quality and quantity of your sleep, as studies have shown. When you wake up, it’s back to scrolling for “just a few minutes” and there goes your schedule! 

Some phone alarms sound similar to the normal ring-tone, and you can easily miss hearing them. You also need to make sure that you have enough charge in your phone, or you have a disaster on your hands if the phone dies at midnight. 

More and more people are turning to the trusty old alarm clock that does just one thing and does it well - telling the time.

They solve an age-old problem - that of waking up at a designated time. Humans do have our own internal biological clocks that follow the circadian rhythm, but these days we rarely follow set bed-times or get our full 8 hour sleep. Waking alarms give us peace of mind, and we can sleep comfortably knowing that our clocks will wake us up at a set time. This ensures that we follow good sleep hygiene and get the necessary rest and relaxation needed to face a new day. 

Alarm clocks have an old and respectable history. The Greek philosopher Plato is reported to have invented a water-driven device that let out a whistle at a designated hour. In Medieval Europe, church bells rang the hour and as the industrial revolution gathered steam, factories began blaring out sirens to ensure that workers arrived and departed on time. Though small alarm clocks were invented by the 15th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that they became available for private ownership. These were simple wind-up, analog devices that became a bedside table staple in most homes. 

By the 1880s, early versions of digital clocks were making their way into the market, but it was only in 1956 that the first digital alarm clock was patented. In the 1970s the first digital wristwatch was unveiled. Cheaper manufacturing meant that these clocks were incorporated into various devices such as radios, cars, microwave ovens, refrigerators, televisions and more. 

The short answer to that is - It’s personal. If you’re the kind of person who hits the ground running the moment the alarm goes off, it’s wise to choose one that’s simple and doesn’t offer complicated functions such as Snooze. Most analog clocks are built to simply keep buzzing till they run out of wind. 

Analog clocks are almost 100% reliable, because they don’t need to be recharged or plugged in.

Another great feature is that they are easy to read, with large, clear numerals. The hour, minute and second hands help you to quickly estimate past and future time. They are great for people who have a strong foundational learning of how to tell time on a clock. 

If you select one that has a light switch, you won’t have a problem reading time when it’s dark. You’ll find one that ticks all the right boxes at  restanddigest.com.au/products/simple-analog-alarm-clock-with-light

Analog clocks can be decorative pieces that blend in with the overall decor of your bedroom. They provide that classic touch to your room, making it more attractive and charming - whether the theme is vintage, country cottage, ranch style, classical or plain and minimalist. 

You can choose one that doesn’t tick too loudly if that annoys you or disturbs your sleep. 

These clocks are less expensive and longer lasting than digital clocks, but you need to purchase a good quality piece. 

On the other hand, digital clocks have their own advantages and they’re the preferred choice by many. 

Learning to read time the traditional way with a clock face and moving hands is a skill that’s fast becoming obsolete. Digital clocks give you instant information minus the math. These clocks are a big must-have for persons with intellectual disability.

Analog clocks may be difficult to read from a distance but digital clocks have a display that’s bright and easy to read. You can choose one that has a Display Off feature if the light bothers you. 

With digital clocks, you can choose the kind of alarm tone you want - boisterous and clamoring, calm and soothing, heavy metal, classical melody or just a simple ring. 

When you choose an alarm clock for your morning wake up call, it’s the first step in breaking up with your phone. It makes you less dependent on a device that’s notoriously addictive and potentially harmful to your wellness and peace.