I Was A Night Owl for Over 20 Years — Until I Found This Clock

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What I Tested…

• Hatch Restore 3 ($169.99)

Why I Tested…

How I Tested...

I tested the Hatch Restore 3 for a year and took notes on its functionality, set-up, features, and its effect (if any) on my mood in the morning and evening. 

Test Results...

• Set-Up. When I noticed very few buttons on the device, I got a little nervous. No labels or written instructions are on the actual device, but you do get a nifty (and thankfully short) start guide. To set up, all I had to do was plug the device in and download the Hatch app. After connecting and naming the device in the app (I named mine Beyoncé), you can then scroll through their menu of customizable options for building out your sleep and wake-up routines. The device glows once connected so you’re not left questioning. When I built my three-step routine (wind-down, sleep, and wake) in the app, I was able to set the time of my alarms, the color of the light, what days of the week to repeat the routine, brightness, and volume. 

• Sound effects. The Hatch Restore 3 has an updated speaker that sounds clear, without any static or scratchy audio. There is no Bluetooth functionality, but the app has tons of pre-recorded sound effects you can set to your routine. My personal favorite? Parisian cafe sounds for when my morning alarm goes off. I may not enjoy waking up, but I did enjoy opening my eyes to the sweet sounds of low chatter, birds, and ceramic coffee mugs clinking. 

• Light effects. This is where the genius behind Hatch lies. The majority of the front canvas panel is dedicated to a dimmable light that slowly increases in brightness when it's time to wake up. It’s designed to mimic a sunrise that wakes you slowly and naturally. At first I was nervous I wouldn’t wake up since I’m an extremely heavy sleeper. But every day, without fail, I open my eyes calmly thanks to the bright (but not blinding), soothing orange-to-yellow light. 

• Design. There are three buttons at the top that allow you to start/stop your routine, change your routine, or simply pause your program if you’re listening to a guided meditation, for example. There is also a side switch for turning off your alarm for the next day without having to open the app. The clock stays lit throughout the day (if you so choose), but overall the design is incredibly minimalistic, and dare I say, chic.

• Wind-down & wake-up. Did this actually make me a morning person? Absolutely. While you won’t find me running outside at 6am, you will find me much less groggy or agitated to be up before the sun because my body physically feels as though I woke up by my own volition. At night, I no longer dread climbing into bed since I have soothing stories, white noise, sleep podcasts, and naturescapes to choose from that will lull me quickly (and quietly) to sleep. I live with my partner and this device has helped us both quiet our minds to ensure a restful wake-up.

Sidenotes...

• While you can use the Hatch Restore 3 without their paid subscription Hatch+, you do get a lot more options when you subscribe. Without it, you can still create your wind-down, sleep and wake routines, but you’ll have limited access to the library of over 80 science-backed sleep sounds and over 100 ambient-light options. 

• To customize or create your routines, you must be near your device. In other words, you won’t be able to update anything via the app if you’re away, which can be annoying. 

The Fine Details...

• Hatch Restore 3 ($169.99)

• You must download the Hatch app via the App Store or Google Play Store to set-up your device and create your routines. However, the app is not required to start, stop, or pause your routines while in use. 

• With the purchase of your Hatch Restore 3, you also get 30 days free of Hatch+, aka their paid app subscription. After that, it costs $4.99 a month, or $49.99 a year, and you can cancel at any time. Already have the Hatch app? You can subscribe within the app. 

• Hatch has a 30-day, money-back guarantee.