Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Hatch Restore

$129.99

Hatch Restore combines a smart light and a sound machine to improve your sleep routine. Customize your sleep environment with various light colors and soothing sounds.

Our take

A multi-functional sleep tool for modern lifestyles.

So, I’ve been messing around with this Hatch Restore thing, and I gotta say, it’s not your typical alarm clock. This gadget is like having a personal sleep assistant on your nightstand. You’ve got a combination of a reading light, sound machine, and sunrise alarm all packed into one. It’s meant to help you wind down and wake up more naturally. The light settings are pretty nifty, simulating a sunset or sunrise to ease you in and out of sleep. But here’s the thing: if you’re someone who snoozes their alarm a million times, this might not be magic for you. It’s more about the vibe and less about blaring you awake.

The sound machine part is a nice touch, especially if you’re into white noise or nature sounds to help you sleep. There’s a decent variety of sounds to choose from, and they’re generally soothing. But, fair warning: some sounds can feel a bit repetitive or artificial. If you’re super picky about sound quality, it might not be your jam. I found the ocean waves to be the most relaxing, but your mileage may vary. It’s definitely better than leaving the TV on all night, though.

Now, the reading light is actually quite handy. You can adjust the brightness and color temperature, which is a game-changer if you’re sharing a bed and don’t want to disturb someone else. The ability to tweak the light so it doesn’t feel like you’re on stage is a win. Plus, it’s way easier on the eyes than your average lamp. I mean, who knew lighting could be so fancy? But, if you’re looking for something super bright for serious reading, it might not be enough.

The app that comes with Hatch Restore is where things get a bit dicey. You control everything through your phone, which is cool, but it’s not always the most intuitive. Sometimes it feels like you need a degree just to set up your sleep routine. The subscription service for extra content is another thing — it’s optional, but without it, the Hatch Restore is kinda basic. If you’re willing to shell out for the extras, it’s pretty neat, but not everyone wants another subscription fee in their life.

Overall, the Hatch Restore is a solid piece of tech for anyone looking to improve their sleep hygiene. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, though. If you’re already good about winding down and waking up, you might not notice a huge difference. But if you’re struggling with sleep patterns, it could help create a more peaceful routine. Just weigh the pros and cons, especially if you’re not a fan of fiddling with apps or paying for premium features. It’s definitely an upgrade from a blaring phone alarm, but maybe not the be-all and end-all of sleep solutions.