Whether we are going to work or planning a journey where time management is important, we tend to rely on the use of an alarm clock. A history of this accursed timepiece is probably not worth delving into, but maybe looking at the way we react to them is.
Most people's morning starts with a buzz, ring, radio or any other loud and intrusive noise that awakens us from a perfect slumber. Doesn't it drive you crazy when this sadistic instrument ends what maybe a peaceful and pleasant dream that has made your night's sleep more relaxing?
Here is my first question: Do you agree that alarm clocks nowadays and by that I mean the digital variety, always have a snooze button? I call this a cheat device because I thought the whole object of an alarm clock was to awaken you - to rise from your bed - at the point of the alarm being set off. You may say that we have that extra seven minutes or so to finally wake up, gather our thoughts and then face the day's tasks in a more refreshed way.
This may be so but, if it is the case, cast your minds back a few years, and think about the last generation of alarm clocks. The two-bell clockwork variety! The bells were situated on top of the clock itself. The principle was the same, but in fact, when the alarm sounded by means of a monstrous little hammer clattering noisily between the two bells, the only way to turn it off was to move a swivelling little hook, that caught the hammer and stopped its vile noise.
Now, unpleasant as it may have been to hear this fire engine type noise on a dark winter's morning, it was nevertheless an indication to you that you simply had to get up. No extra snoozes, no thought-gathering, up and out of it fella, get your body into gear!
Has technology improved the alarm clock? I am not so sure. True we have digital equipment now that can have all manner of liquid crystal displays, features that wouldn't be out of place on a Moon orbiter, yet they all do the same thing - get us to move from one of most comfortable and comforting positions of the day.
I think the alarm clock manufacturers have bowed to public pressure with the snooze button. I don't think the human alarm clock, like an RSM in the army, would expect to come back after seven minutes to gently re-awaken his charges.
It is the same with the alarm clock. It is my considered opinion that once the thing starts making a noise, we should get up. Why you may ask?
I find the answer not only simple but very practical. Today's alarm clocks are generally powered by electricity and most of them have a battery alarm back-up. Before my final conclusion, ask yourself honestly, how often do you make sure the battery is kept up to date for the efficient use of this back-up feature? My whole point is that most places in the world are susceptible to power failure at some time or other and, you can pretty well guarantee that the power will fail when you have set the alarm to go off for a critical appointment or journey.
My answer is: use the two-bell variety - if you can find one. At least you may reassure yourself that once you have wound it up -it will not fail. I trust with this lighthearted look at an everyday nightmare, you feel that you may sleep a little more easily.
Sweet dreams!
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Alarm Clocks
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