The problem of oversleeping and ineffective alarms affects many people, particularly those who habitually snooze alarms without fully waking up. Traditional alarm clocks rely on sound or light, which can be ignored, leading to tardiness and reduced productivity. A more forceful stimulus might help certain individuals wake up reliably.

A Novel Approach to Waking Up

One way to address this could involve an alarm clock that combines traditional alerts with a physical stimulus—like a gentle slap—if the user repeatedly hits the snooze button. The device would first use standard sound or light alarms. If the user snoozes once, the alarm could escalate (e.g., louder tone or brighter light). On the second snooze, a soft mechanical arm could extend and tap or lightly slap the user's arm or cheek, adjustable for intensity to suit comfort levels.

Potential Users and Challenges

This approach might appeal to heavy sleepers and those who need an unconventional method to break persistent snoozing habits. Key considerations include:

• Safety: The slap mechanism would need soft materials and force limits to prevent injury.
• User Acceptance : Some might prefer adjustable options or alternative stimuli (e.g., vibration) to reduce discomfort.
• Market Demand: Surveys or small-scale crowdfunding could test whether people would actually use such a device.

Distinguishing It from Existing Solutions

Unlike loud alarms (e.g., Sonic Bomb) or wearable shock devices (e.g., Pavlok), this idea relies on tactile feedback rather than pain or noise. Compared to mobile alarms like Clocky, it requires no physical effort from the user to turn it off. The humor and novelty might also make it appealing as a conversation piece or gag gift.

If pursued, a simple prototype could test feasibility—combining a programmable alarm with a servo-powered soft paddle—before refining safety and user experience for broader adoption.