Alarm clock advice needed--walking the line

[FindingMyInnerFish]

Hey folk,

These days I've had to be a pretty early riser (around 5) so I can get to my 8 a.m. class. And so naturally I set my alarm clock for anywhere between 5 and 6 (depending on what I need to do before I leave and how late I get to bed). Unfortunately, my downstairs neighbor who doesn't need to get up as early is disturbed by my alarm clock and doesn't like being awakened. The problem is neither do I (but sometimes ya have to do whatcha have to do) so it takes time to wake me up.

I can't really blame my neighbor, but otoh, I want to be sure I get up in time. Using the radio part of the alarm clock doesn't usually work. I need industrial strength awakening power.

But I also need a "smart" alarm clock that pinpoints me and leaves my neighbor asleep, thus creating a win-win situation.

Thanks for your suggestions! No doubt my neighbor will be as grateful as I will be.

[ourswimmer]

Have you considered one of the alarm clocks that shines a light right at you? I really like mine. You set an interval during which the light gets steadily brighter, and if you haven't gotten up and switched it off by the end it makes a noise. I am always awake before the noise. They are sort of expensive as alarm clocks go, but one might fill the bill for you.

[msgrupp]

Some alarm clocks for the hearing impaired are placed under the pillow and vibrate to awaken you.

Not sure where to have you look but if there is a hearing and deaf services departmetn at your local college or as a business--contact them.

http://www.soundclarity.com/shopdisp...E_ALARM+CLOCKS

[nkfrench]

Originally Posted by ourswimmer

Have you considered one of the alarm clocks that shines a light right at you?

I have a floodlight on a simple timer aimed at my bed. It generates enough heat that I wake myself up kicking off the bedcovers. I use that plus the alarm clock radio since noise is not an issue for neighbors; if the radio gets annoying, I end up shutting it off in my grogginess but the light I have to get out of bed to unplug it.

The only problems are if the cleaning lady shuts it off, or if the bulb burns out after I get up. The timer runs it for 2 hours and then it shuts itself off rather than have me "forget" to flip the switch before bedtime.

Or maybe you can just sleep later and streamline your morning routine? That seems like a lot of time just to get to a class.

[updated] Oh - unless you're the instructor.

[Leonard Jansen]

Easy.

Feed your cat/dog something they REALLY like at 5 AM for a few days. After that you'll either get a cold, wet nose (dog) or something walking all over you (cat) at 5 AM sharp.

-LBJ

[msgrupp]

Leonard-
you win the prize for the cheapest (and probably) most effective alarm clock around.

Cold wet noses vs crying at the bedroom door (as my sister locks her cats out of the bedroom due to allergies) is a point for debate but both work rather well.

[FindingMyInnerFish]

Thanks all!

Lots of good suggestions here, including your floodlight, devices for hearing impaired, and ... my cat. She did once wake me earlier, but I think she's sending me the message to get her food she likes better. Recently, I picked her up some Fancy Feast (her birthday was Sunday so I owe her anyway).

She does like to walk on me and it's wonderful--cat massage!

As for the class, I am in fact the instructor. Add to that commuting on public trans... and now (in the Philly area), there's a transit strike...Don't even get me started on that! Anyway, time to keep monks' hours.

[henrycalhoun51]

Mercola.com sold one that I thing works amazingly. He discusses why also. he claims it is more natural to wake up with it. Look him up or go to the site nd type in alarm clock in his search engine.

Never mind here it is.

http://products.mercola.com/sun-alarm-clock/index.htm

I have never tried it so good luck

[orca1946]

Our son has a cool setup that has alarm & a shaker under the pillow to wake him when he really does not want to get up !!