Waking up in the morning can be tough, especially for people who fall into a deep sleep. Many alarm clocks promise to get you up on time, but few are designed for those who sleep so heavily that regular alarms do nothing. The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock claims to be the answer for deep sleepers, but does it really work? If you or someone in your family struggles to wake up, understanding how this device works—and whether it’s the right solution—could make all the difference. Let’s look closer at what makes this alarm clock unique, how it compares to other models, and whether it can truly wake even the deepest sleepers.
What Is The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock?
The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock is a digital alarm clock made for people who have trouble waking up. This clock stands out because it combines a very loud alarm with strong vibrations. The goal is to make sure you wake up, even if you usually sleep through traditional alarms.
This clock is designed with several features:
- Extra-loud alarm (up to 113 decibels)
- Vibrating bed shaker that you place under your pillow or mattress
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Large, clear buttons for easy use
The “Big Bang” name refers to how strong the alarm is—both in sound and in physical vibration. The creators designed it with deep sleepers, people with hearing loss, and those who simply ignore normal alarms in mind.
Understanding Deep Sleep And Why Regular Alarms Fail
To see if the Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock works, it’s important to know what makes some people deep sleepers. Deep sleep is a part of our sleep cycle called “slow-wave sleep.” In this stage, your brain is less responsive to things happening around you. This is why some people sleep through:
- Phone alarms
- Doorbells
- Even fire alarms
Studies show that about 15% of adults are deep sleepers who need much stronger stimuli to wake up. For these people, a regular alarm clock that sounds at 70–80 decibels (about as loud as a vacuum cleaner) might not be enough.
Key Features Of The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock
Let’s break down the most important parts of the Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock that are designed to wake deep sleepers.
| Feature | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Up to 113 dB | Louder than most alarms; can wake even heavy sleepers |
| Bed Shaker | Strong vibration placed under pillow or mattress | Physical sensation helps wake you up if sound isn’t enough |
| Display | Large, bright digital numbers | Easy to see, even when drowsy |
| Snooze Button | Oversized for easy use | Lets you delay alarm briefly, but hard to ignore completely |
| Battery Backup | Keeps time and alarm even if power goes out | Reliable for heavy sleepers who can’t afford to miss alarms |
Extra-loud Alarm
The Sharp Big Bang’s 113 dB alarm is about as loud as a rock concert or a chainsaw. This is much louder than most standard alarms, which are usually around 80 dB. A volume this high can cut through deep sleep, but also may be uncomfortable for light sleepers or those sharing a room.
Powerful Bed Shaker
The included bed shaker is a small device you connect to the clock, then place under your pillow or mattress. When the alarm goes off, it vibrates strongly. This physical sensation is different from sound and can wake you up even if you’re wearing earplugs or have hearing loss.
Simple Controls And Display
For people who are groggy in the morning, the Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock offers an easy-to-read screen and large buttons. The controls are straightforward, so you don’t have to fumble with confusing menus when you’re half-awake.
Battery Backup
Many deep sleepers worry about missing alarms if the power goes out. This clock has a battery backup, so it will still go off even during a blackout. You’ll need to check the batteries every few months, but it adds a layer of security.
How Does It Compare To Other Alarm Clocks?
If you’re thinking about buying a Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock, it’s smart to see how it matches up to other popular options. Here’s a side-by-side comparison with two well-known competitors: the Sonic Bomb and Philips SmartSleep.
| Alarm Clock | Max Volume (dB) | Bed Shaker | Display Type | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp Big Bang | 113 | Yes | Large digital | Battery backup, large snooze |
| Sonic Bomb | 113 | Yes | Digital (red numbers) | Adjustable tone, flashing lights |
| Philips SmartSleep | 80 | No | Color screen | Simulated sunrise light, sound options |
Both the Sharp Big Bang and Sonic Bomb offer high volume and bed shakers, but the Sharp is often considered simpler to use. The Philips SmartSleep focuses on gentle wake-ups using light, which may not be strong enough for deep sleepers.
Who Should Consider The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock?
The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock isn’t for everyone. It’s best for:
- Heavy sleepers who ignore normal alarms
- People with hearing loss who can’t rely on sound alone
- Students or workers who often oversleep
- People who need a reliable alarm during power outages
However, it may not be a good choice for:
- People sharing a room with light sleepers (the sound is very loud)
- Those who dislike strong vibrations in their bed
- Anyone sensitive to loud noise
If you live in a shared household or dorm, consider how the noise and vibration will affect others. Some users report that the bed shaker can even wake up people sleeping nearby.
User Experiences: Does It Really Wake Deep Sleepers?
Online reviews and real-world stories offer helpful insight into how well the Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock works for deep sleepers. Many users who call themselves “impossible to wake” share positive feedback. Several mention waking up for the first time in years without help from others.
For example:
- One college student wrote that she had never gotten up on time until using the Sharp Big Bang. The bed shaker was “impossible to ignore,” even when she wore earplugs.
- A father with partial hearing loss said the loud alarm plus vibration finally made him confident he wouldn’t miss work again.
- Some users warn that the alarm is so strong, it can be a shock at first. They recommend starting with a lower volume, then increasing it if needed.
However, a small number of people say that even this alarm didn’t wake them. In these rare cases, combining the Sharp Big Bang with other tricks—like placing the clock across the room—was more successful.
Non-obvious Insights For Deep Sleepers
Most buyers look for the loudest alarm, but two things are often missed:
- Placement of the bed shaker makes a huge difference. Under the pillow works well for many, but some report even better results when placing it under the mattress near their shoulders. This spreads the vibration more evenly, making it harder to ignore.
- Alarm fatigue can happen over time. If you use the same sound and vibration daily, your brain might start to tune it out. Changing the alarm sound, moving the clock’s position, or even switching between sound and vibration modes helps keep it effective.
Tips For Getting The Most From The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock
If you decide this is the right alarm for you, here are some tips to wake up successfully:
- Test the volume and vibration on a weekend first. This way, you won’t be late for work or school if you need to adjust settings.
- Place the bed shaker under the pillow or between the mattress and box spring, near your upper body.
- Keep the alarm out of arm’s reach if you tend to hit snooze too much. This forces you to get out of bed to turn it off.
- Check batteries every few months to ensure the backup is working.
- For an extra boost, combine the alarm with light—open your curtains, or use a smart plug to turn on a lamp with your alarm.
Real Data: What Makes An Alarm Clock Effective For Deep Sleepers?
Research shows that deep sleepers respond best to:
- Alarms above 100 dB
- Physical sensations (vibration, shaking, or touch)
- Variety in alarm patterns or sounds
Most standard alarm clocks fail because they offer only one type of alert (sound) and usually max out at 80 dB.
Here’s a quick look at how different alarm types stack up for deep sleepers:
| Type | Effectiveness (for deep sleepers) | Average Decibel Level |
|---|---|---|
| Standard alarm clock | Low | 70–80 dB |
| Smartphone alarm | Low–Medium | 80–90 dB |
| Big Bang-style clock | High | 110–113 dB + vibration |
| Light-based alarm | Low for deep sleepers | N/A |
Safety And Practical Considerations
While a loud alarm is necessary for deep sleepers, it’s important to use these devices safely:
- Don’t use at full volume if you share a room or have pets easily frightened by noise.
- Limit exposure to very loud alarms to prevent hearing damage. Try starting at lower settings and increase only if needed.
- If you have any heart or nervous system conditions, talk to a doctor before using intense alarms or vibration.
Also, be aware that over time, you might get used to the alarm. Changing the pattern and using backup alarms can help keep you on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Loud Is The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock Compared To A Regular Alarm Clock?
The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock reaches up to 113 dB, while most regular alarm clocks are around 70–80 dB. This makes it significantly louder—similar to a chainsaw or rock concert.
Can The Bed Shaker Wake Someone With Hearing Loss?
Yes, the bed shaker is designed to wake people who may not hear the alarm. It creates strong vibrations that can be felt even through a pillow or mattress.
Is The Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock Easy To Use?
Most users find it very easy to set up and use, thanks to the large display and simple controls. The snooze button is oversized so you can find it easily, even when half-asleep.
Will The Alarm Wake Up Others In The Room?
The alarm is very loud, so it may wake up roommates or people in nearby rooms. The bed shaker is quieter for others, but strong enough to wake the person using it.
Where Can I Find More Information About Alarm Clocks For Deep Sleepers?
You can learn more about alarm clocks for deep sleepers from this Wikipedia article on alarm clocks and sleep needs.
Waking up shouldn’t be a daily struggle. For deep sleepers, the Sharp Big Bang Alarm Clock offers a strong solution with its combination of loud sound and physical vibration. While it’s not perfect for every situation, most heavy sleepers report big improvements in their morning routines.
With the right settings and placement, this alarm could help you finally wake up on time—no matter how deep your sleep.
