Sunrise alarm clocks, for example, wake you up with a glow of soft light, meant to mimic the rising sun, and slowly get brighter. Vibration alarms are smart, too.

Best for personalization The Hatch Restore 3 is more than just a sleek sunrise alarm clock; it's a complete sleep system designed to transform your approach to sleep, and you can customize each step.

The Silent Alarm Clock, designed by Johan Brengesjo, uses a wireless rubber ring that vibrates to wake you up in a tactile, noiseless fashion. Though it’s just a concept device right now ...

urbanoutfitters.com Shake-N-Wake Silent Alarm Clock This clever little Shake-N-Wake Silent Alarm Clock ($20) vibrates and shakes to awaken, plus it's equipped with a wrist strap and backlit LED ...

The alarm system can be used for less critical situations as well, even those where first responders aren’t required to come, such as if a school administrator wants to make other personnel ...