So you got a sunrise alarm clock for Christmas — here’s how to use it to fall asleep faster and wake up full of energy

You received a sunrise alarm clock for Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever winter holiday you celebrate — so how can you use it to improve not just your mornings, but also your evenings?

As someone who made an impulse Black Friday purchase for the Hatch Restore 3 (which our sleep tech experts call the best sunrise alarm clock of 2026), I’m here to share my experience so you can get the most out of your new bedside gadget.

Since buying a sunrise alarm clock, I'm more alert in the morning, sticking to a consistent bedtime, and generally feeling better throughout the day. Here's how I got to that point (and how you can, too).

Life before my sunrise alarm clock

For years, I relied on the blare of my smartphone alarm to wake me up. I'd keep my phone next to my bed, and sometimes even beside my pillow. This made it all too easy for me to hit snooze several times or spend the first few hours of my morning doomscrolling.

Alas, my evening wind-down routine consisted of — you guessed it — more doomscrolling, which led me to push my bedtime later than necessary.

How I use a sunrise alarm clock to fall asleep

The Hatch App allows me to program nighttime routines. That means I can keep my phone out of arm's reach so I'm not tempted to start scrolling in bed. Here are the three ways I use my sunrise alarm clock to wind down at night...

1. As a reading light

I've begun to swap my smartphone for one of the books I keep inside my bedside basket. The Hatch Restore 3 has a built-in reading light, which I can dim or brighten accordingly.

Once I'm finished reading for the night, I simply press the button on my Hatch to turn off the light.

2. As a sound machine

If I’m amped up before bed, I use the Hatch to play calming sounds to help me wind down. These range from ambient noise — such as the whirr of a fan — to nature sounds, like the roar of a stormy sea.

For sounds, I usually set a timer to turn the Hatch off after an hour. That way, I can simply drift off to whatever noise I’ve chosen for the evening.

3. As an immersive wind-down experience

When I'm feeling mentally exhausted, I treat myself to an immersive experience with calming music accompanied by steady lights. (I usually go for cool hues like blue and purple.)

I can also program this routine ahead of time in the Hatch App, so all I have to do at bedtime is let the light and sound carry me to a peaceful slumber.

How I use a sunrise alarm clock to wake up refreshed

1. Light ramp timing

Technically, my Hatch Restore 3 alarm has two parts. The first part is exclusively for the light; it turns on 15 minutes before the sound. This gradual ramp mimics the sunrise, signaling to my circadian rhythm that it’s time to start waking up.

This is especially helpful to me in the winter, when dark early morning skies can make it hard for me to get moving.

2. Pleasant alarm sounds

Instead of incessant beeping or tedious phone melodies, I now wake up to the melodic strumming of an acoustic guitar, the hum of busy crowds on a Parisian street, or the distant tolling of old church bells.

Combined with the soft glow of the sunrise light, it eases me into waking up rather than suddenly jolting me out of bed.

3. Setting a unique alarm for each day

This is a handy hack for when I have trouble keeping the days straight during a post-holiday haze or a particularly busy stretch: I set different light and sound combinations for each day of the week.

When I hear those rhythmic church bells and feel the soft glow of a red light on my face, I know it’s Saturday — and when I wake to those sweet guitar strings paired with a warm yellow glow, I know it’s Monday.

Life after my sunrise alarm clock

Adding a sunrise alarm clock to my bedroom has improved my sleep hygiene in a major way. Sure, I still slip and bring my phone into bed occasionally, but I'm relying on it a lot less at bedtime than I used to. Now my wind-down routine consists of reading a few pages of a novel or releasing my worries through a peaceful soundscape.

My mornings are more productive, as well. Sometimes, I keep the light on my Hatch for at least 15 minutes after waking up to properly charge my battery for the day (and even prepare me for better sleep that evening).

Best of all, I'm no longer haunted by the shrill sound of my smartphone.

Sunrise alarm clock quick tips for new users

• A subscription isn't necessary: Some premium alarms like the Hatch require a monthly subscription to unlock a broader audio library. However, I've gotten by just fine with the stock sounds. Don't feel like you have to purchase anything extra, especially when you're getting started.
• Experiment with routines: Part of the fun of having a sunrise alarm clock (for me anyway) is playing around with different light and sound combos. Don't be discouraged if you don't vibe with your wind-down or wake-up routine right away — explore different options instead.
• Don't pack it up when winter is over: A sunrise alarm clock is supremely useful in fall and winter, when there’s less daylight. That said, it’s worth keeping one on your nightstand year-round. As our sleep tech writer learned, a sunrise alarm clock can be helpful in the summer, too.
• Remember that it won't mask bad habits: You’ll still have to do your part to stick to a consistent routine and create an environment that’s conducive to sleep.