The Dreamie alarm clock got me to stop using my phone in bed

At a glance:

• The Dreamie alarm clock helps users break the habit of using phones in bed by offering podcast playback and customizable sleep routines
• Priced at $250, the device features wind down, noise mask, sunrise, and back to sleep modes with Wi-Fi connectivity for podcast streaming
• While effective for breaking phone dependency at night, the reviewer notes that a more affordable alternative (the Brick at $59) may provide similar benefits for some users

What is the Dreamie alarm clock?

The Dreamie alarm clock has helped the author achieve something previously unthinkable: sleeping through the night without their phone at their bedside. This represents a significant change from a decade-long habit of keeping a phone by the bed every night. The device targets individuals who feel so attached to their phones that they consider themselves "cyborgs" - a common experience in our digitally saturated world.

The Dreamie operates through several distinct modes that create a comprehensive sleep routine. In "ambience" mode, it functions as a standard clock. The "wind down" mode initiates the bedtime routine, with the reviewer setting it to play fireplace crackle sounds accompanied by a soft orange light that fades to imitate actual fire. This typically runs for about 25 minutes while the user reads. Following this, the device transitions to "noise mask" mode, which the reviewer set to thunderstorm sounds, though it can be activated earlier if the user becomes sleepy sooner. The selected sound continues until the "sunrise" light gradually brightens, signaling the time for the alarm to sound.

How does the Dreamie's podcast feature work?

The standout feature of the Dreamie is its ability to play podcasts, a seemingly simple capability that addresses a common sleep disruption. When the user wakes up during the night, they can activate "back to sleep mode," which plays any chosen media - whether it's a pre-loaded breathing routine, another soundscape, or any podcast selected in advance. This pre-selection prevents the user from scrolling through interfaces in the middle of the night, which would make them feel more awake. For users sharing a bed, the device can be used with Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing their partner, though this requires wearing headphones to sleep.

The Dreamie's Wi-Fi connectivity allows it to download any podcast from the internet, made possible by the RSS feed architecture that distributes podcasts. The author takes a moment to appreciate RSS as "one of the last relics of the open internet," contrasting it with Spotify's attempts to create a walled garden around podcast content. This technical foundation enables the device to access virtually any podcast without requiring a subscription or companion app, though the user interface resembles the iPhone Clock app in its simplicity.

Why is breaking the phone-in-bed habit important?

The author admits that using their phone in bed interferes with sleep, which in turn affects mental and physical health. Despite this knowledge, they went more than a decade with their phone at their bedside every night - tens of thousands of nights where they felt dependent on their "glowing rectangle." This attachment creates a cycle where waking up during the night leads to phone use, which often triggers notifications that the user reflexively checks, resulting in being awake for hours.

Research supports this experience, with one survey of 2,000 American adults finding that 87% sleep with their phones in their bedrooms. The Dreamie addresses this by allowing users to simply activate "back to sleep" mode and listen to content without the temptation to check notifications or engage with other phone activities. This separation from the phone extends to the morning routine as well, where the user found they could get out of bed faster and start their day feeling more human rather than like a "hungry, caffeine-deprived zombie."

How does the Dreamie compare to alternatives?

Priced at $250, the Dreamie represents a significant investment for an alarm clock. During testing, the author also tried the Brick, a device that costs $59 and blocks all apps on the phone except for podcast and audiobook apps. The more affordable option appears to provide similar benefits for the author, who notes that while the Brick restricts phone usage, the Dreamie allows for complete physical separation from the device - leaving the phone in another room entirely.

The author experimented with "cheating" during the Dreamie review period, using their phone to listen to audiobooks when they couldn't find specific podcasts on the device. They initially tried to maintain the spirit of using only the Dreamie but found this unrealistic, eventually using their phone in the middle of the night. This limitation highlights a potential area for improvement, as the author speculates that future versions might support uploading personal media, including downloaded audiobooks from services like Libby or Libro.fm.

What are the limitations of the Dreamie?

While the Dreamie effectively addresses phone dependency during sleep, it has notable limitations. The device cannot currently support audiobook apps like Libby or Libro.fm due to technical constraints. Additionally, the requirement to wear headphones to use Bluetooth connectivity might be uncomfortable for some users who prefer not to sleep with headphones on.

The author also questions whether the high price point is justified given the availability of more affordable alternatives like the Brick. While the Dreamie offers the benefit of complete phone separation, some users might find the simpler, cheaper device sufficient for their needs. The author concludes by questioning whether users truly want their phone to be "the last thing you see every day," suggesting that the Dreamie's value extends beyond mere functionality to the psychological benefit of creating clear boundaries between digital and personal time.