Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure and privacy statement for more info.
As a night shift worker, has someone made the statement “you must have woken on the wrong side of the bed today”. Albeit we typically have the freedom to sleep on whichever side we want, I believe our sleep quality and how we are woken up plays a much larger part in our mood for the day. Your alarm is central to this and they have come a long way over time. I am here to showcase those you can actually rely upon and will work in any situation… even the longest of power outages.
Throughout this post, I give you the top 7 recommended alarm clocks specific for night shift workers. These will look different from those who work a regular 9-5 schedule and for good reasons which I will explain.
The features I believe are most important for shift workers are capability to snooze, white noise sounds, diffuser features, dimming ability to mimic a sunrise, back up battery in case of a power outage, multiple alarms and sounds, Bluetooth and USB port access. Plus a few more bonus features just for fun.
Our Top Pick
1. Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock
What We Liked:
- Colored sunrise simulation wakes you gradually with a natural light lamp. This setting generally starts between 20 and 40 minutes prior to your alarm (you can adjust this timing however).
- You wake up feeling less groggy despite sleeping during the day and against our body clock
- The built-in speaker plays a choice of 5 wake-up sounds or FM radio
- Big Tap-to-snooze button for 9 minutes
- Power backup. It maintains the internal clock and alarm settings for at least 8 hours in the event of power failure.
- This clock can be used as a bedside reading lamp thanks to the 10 different brightness settings
- 90 day, no-hassle, money back guarantee
- Cool to touch, which is great in the situation when you accidentally knock it.
- Modern design
What We Would Change:
- Clearer navigational menu. It’s is tough to work out in the beginning and takes a bit of practice. But they do offer online “live chat” to assist with any issues which arise.
- Add in Bluetooth and AUX deck (I don’t care about the lack of USB Charging capabilities). While we are not bringing our phones to bed it would be great to plug in your phone during the day and listen to music or simply use it to charge your device.
- When you press snooze the sound will mute but the light stays on. This could be annoying if you have an early shift and your partner works 9-5 and doesn’t need to be up yet.
- Bigger menu buttons to turn off the alarm. They are manageable but you have to know where to look.
Tech Details:
- Power Output: 12W
- Voltage: 100/240 V
Bottom line: Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock
For a sleek looking alarm clock with a ton of features, the Philip Wake-up alarm clock gives you the most bang for your buck. Unfortunately, the LED light in the Philips sunrise lamp can’t be replaced when it goes out. But they do have a two-year warranty on each product. This is an amazing bedside lamp/alarm clock suitable for all shift workers wanting to wake to soft light rather than a loud, aggressive beeping noise.
See the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock via Amazon
White Noise Machine Alarm Clock
2. iHome Zenergy Bedside Sleep Therapy Machine
What We Liked:
- White noise machine and alarm clock all in one!
- You can leave either one of the 10 white noise sounds playing all day long and it won’t switch off – ideal for night shift workers.
- 10 melatonin (read more about our sleep hormone here) friendly light modes which you can customize brightness and timing. These LED color blending capabilities enhance sleep or promote waking. You can also choose to turn off the light altogether which is not always an option in these sunrise lamps.
- Bluetooth audio speaker
- x1 USB charging port (Try and ignore this and still charge your phone outside the bedroom to allow you to fall asleep distraction-free).
- Auxiliary input
- Used in conjunction with an app to boost functionality. But if you don’t want to use the app you can manually setup the alarm without it.
- Dual alarm for either yourself or to wake your partner/spouse in a few hours time
- Calming, soothing sounds to fall asleep to
- Battery backup
What We Would Change:
- Better connection when syncing the app to the device. If the app is playing up however, you can use this product without it.
- Add AM radio to cater for all
Tech Details:
- CR2450 battery installed for backup
Bottom line: iHome Zenergy Bedside Sleep Therapy Machine
If you need white noise to play during the day to block out the neighbor’s dog and rustling noises of your family and housemates inside the home, this product is great. The app needs technical work but you can survive without it if the connection and pairing is not functioning smoothly. The 10 melatonin friendly, light sensitive settings allows for a restful sleep and peaceful wake up to start any shift in a positive frame of mind.
See the iHome Zenergy Clock via Amazon
Aromatherapy Alarm Clock
3. ArtNaturals Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier
What We Liked:
- Aromatherapy (Electric Cool Mist) PLUS an alarm clock – a rare special find!
- Bluetooth Speaker
- A huge 13.5 Fl Oz / 400ml Tank for water so you won’t be running out of water quickly. The diffuser is also smart enough to shut off when the water runs out, so you won’t burn anything.
- 7 color LED lights which can be cycled through or set to one color only
- Modern design
- This product doesn’t get hot making it kid and pet safe (and even safe for the weary night shift worker who is dazed and confused!)
- The light turns off so you can’t see the time. I like this feature as it stops “clock watching.” If you happen to wake up during the day and the time distracts you from going back to sleep, this is the feature for you.
- There are no USB capabilities – BUT I’m no sad about this lack of feature. Why? I am not tempted to bring my phone into the bedroom to charge it.
What We Would Change:
- Easier to use buttons to turn off the alarm. You can do it but it takes a few buttons to turn it off.
- Increase the volume on the alarm as a few reviews reported it’s too soft to hear.
- Better designed buttons as they sometimes become “sticky”
- Add AM/FM radio
- Battery back up
Tech Details:
- 12-month warranty
- Electric only. Nil batteries
Bottom line: ArtNaturals Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier
An alarm clock with blissful, calm aromatherapy all in one! I am a big believer in using lavender and vanilla to help us sleep particularly after a night shift. By combining capabilities this product leaves more room on your bedside table. The lack of battery back up means you may have to set an alarm on your phone and charge it just outside the bedroom so you can still hear it in case of a power outage.
See the ArtNaturals Essential Oil Diffuser via Amazon
Extra Loud Alarm Clock
4. Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock
What We Liked:
- LOUD but adjustable volume and tone
- Aggressive and terrifying red flashing alert lights to wake even the heaviest of sleepers
- Powerful bed shaker capabilities (see the video here)
- Clear, big numbers on the clock
- Easy to set
- Sturdy and basically unbreakable if you swipe for the alarm in a daze, knocking it off the table
- Battery backup
- 5-level dimmer
- Dual alarm and equipped with 12/24 hour time capability
What We Would Change:
- While it does have a battery backup which keeps track of the time until the power is restored, the alarm won’t trigger until the AC power is back in action.
- There is no way to stop the flashing lights but you can turn off the sound completely.
Tech Details:
- 1 Year manufacturer’s warranty
- 113db extra-loud alarm
- 12 volt bed shaker
Bottom line: Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock
If you are an extra heavy night shift sleeper who needs an alarm clock but nothing ever truly gets you out of bed, this clock will. It’s the loudest of our list and can be heard from 40 odd feet away! This one will truly shock you into a new day.
See the Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock via Amazon
No Frills Alarm Clock
5. RCA Digital Alarm Clock
What We Liked:
- Simple, compact and easy to operate
- Large 1.4″ Display
- Minimal controls
- Bright
- Reliable alarm features
- It plugs into a wall socket but the backup battery means your settings and the time are saved. During a power outage the time display turns off to save power but the alarm will still sound.
- Loud volume
- Affordable low price
What We Would Change:
- Add radio functionality. That’s it.
Tech Details:
- 9-volt backup battery
Bottom line: RCA Digital Alarm Clock
It’s a simple alarm clock that does the job it says it will do. Bright big numbers, minimal buttons, no radio/USB/blue tooth/wifi… just a clock loud enough to wake you up in time for any shift.
See the RCA Digital Alarm Clock via Amazon
If you are looking for a compact clock like this one which comes with a night-light and different alarm volume, go for the Travelwey Home.
It’s double the price though for similar products however, the other reviews on Amazon are very impressive.
Best Reading Light Alarm Clock
6. DreamSky Alarm Clock with Desk Lamp
What We Liked:
- Reading book light with alarm clock – also a rare find!
- Battery backup (2* AAA battery needed for backup)
- Snooze capabilities from 8 minutes up to one hour
- 7 color changing mood lights which can be set to change colors gradually or remain a solid color.
What We Would Change:
- Personally I would remove the USB port for cellphone charging. I know this is not a popular opinion but having this option increases the more temptation to charge my phone in my bedroom.
- Add a radio setting as there is only the option for an ascending beep alarm
- Add a clip so I could attach it to my book
- Better design. It’s on the cheap side of life.
- Attach a heavier base
Tech Details:
- Outlet powered with DC Adapter Included
- 12 LEDs in desk lamp
- 360 degree foldable gooseneck
Bottom line: DreamSky Alarm Clock with Desk Lamp
For avid readers, this alarm clock is for you. It has a simple, yet very effective design and provides multipurpose capabilities.
See the DreamSky Alarm Clock with Desk Lampvia Amazon
Budget Pick
7. HOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock
What We Liked:
- Similar to the Philips I mentioned first on this list, this alarm clock uses a warm LED light that gradually brightens 30 mins before the alarm time to gently wake you up.
- The light can also act as a night light
- Clear clock interface which can display 12 or 24 hour time – perfect for a night shift worker!
- Range of 8 different colors
- Nature sounds (birds, lullaby and ocean wave) and FM/AM radio options
- An easy to access the snooze button to not only pause the alarm but also turn off the light for 5 mins.
- Features a sleep timer with sunset simulation to gently dim the room and can also act as a night light
- Back up battery
- USB charger port
- Menu buttons are on the front of the unit so you don’t need to go searching
- You can turn the volume to zero and just wake up with the light. This option is not offered in the Philips.
- Quick, efficient customer support
What We Would Change:
- Add more brightness settings. There are only three with this product (off, dim and bright)
- Play the audio alarm for longer. After the light has been on for 20 or so minutes and the audio plays, this automatically shuts off after 5 minutes.
- Better interface with the touch screen as it can be unresponsive at times.
Tech Details:
- Backup battery measures 3.9″ x 6.8″ x 7.2″
- 30-month warranty if you register the product (this is 6-12months longer then most)
Bottom line: HOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock
If you are not ready to commit to a high-end alarm sunrise alarm clock this could be a good introduction. Just be aware the light moves from off to dim to really bright in three distinct stages. The 8 colors make it fun but only the white one works with the alarm. For under $25 you get some features even the expensive ones don’t provide.
See HOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock via Amazon
Everything I Recommend
Best All-Rounder Option
Extra Loud, Vibrating Option
Diffuser Option
White Noise Option
Simle, Zero Fuss Option
Reading Book Light Option
White Noise Option
Next…
If you like this review but need advice and tips in other areas of your night shift life I want to help. Explore our best work here:
- How to Best Prepare for Night Shift and Stay Healthy
- How Long Should You Sleep Before A Night Shift?
- Can’t Sleep After Night Shift? 13 Weird Tips That Actually Work
- How to Stop Falling Asleep While Driving after Night Shift
- My Top Tip For Taking Melatonin On Night Shift: Plus 10 More
Summary: 7 Best Alarm Clocks for Night Shift Workers
There are a ton of alarm clocks out there all with different functionalities that us night shift workers simply don’t need.
I hope you were able to find a clock on this list which provides a better quality sleep and makes the waking up process a little more enjoyable. I want you starting your day with a positive mindset and the alarm clock should never impact this negatively.
Check out our shift work tools page for more recommendations on the products and services I use and love every single day.
Cheers,
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure and privacy statement for more info.
