Published 14:58 21 Jan 2026 GMT

Psychologist reveals the reason your iPhone alarm sound is so triggering

You're not alone

This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group will make a commission on anything purchased

Danielle Fowler

It turns out, there's a reason why the iPhone alarm sound is so triggering, and it isn't what you'd expect.

As every iPhone owner knows all too well, Apple's default alarm sound is set to the infamous 'radar', which repeatedly rings out until you hit the snooze button.

It's an undeniably jarring sound, and for some reason, it feels even more aggressive when it goes off unexpectedly during the day.

There's a reason why the iPhone alarm is so triggering (Getty/MTStock Studio)

But why do we hate it so much, and how can we wake up feeling a little more relaxed?

As the dark, winter mornings roll in and it's even harder to get out of bed, we spoke to an expert to find out more.

Why does the iPhone alarm feel like that?

If your iPhone alarm makes you feel a sense of impending doom, you're not alone.

On Reddit, people have shared their theories.

One wrote, "All alarms give me anxiety and I think it's because our brain has registered that sound to the feeling of waking up in the morning when we probably don’t want to.

"For example, I normally used alarms for waking up for school and school always gave me anxiety or at least stressed me out. So, I think our brains just register that sound to the emotion we feel when that sound is played."

Another agreed, adding: "Because it's a sound specifically designed to wake people up. On top of that, it is their default. That means out of all the sounds they tested, this one woke the most people up. The very fact that you are asking this question and we all know exactly what you’re talking about, means it does its job extremely well."

The cold, dark mornings make getting out of bed even harder (Getty/milorad kravic)

A third wrote, "No matter what, you’ll associate the sound with negativity, and the cortisol (stress hormone) that’s naturally released to get you up causes anxiety."

So, what's the science behind that feeling of dread?

According to psychologist Dr Vanessa Pilkington, the 'radar' alarm sound forces the body out of deep sleep, and isn't a 'natural' way to wake up.

"The sharp buzz of a traditional alarm clock can be a shock to the system," Dr Pilkington explains. "That sudden burst of sound forces the body out of deep sleep and can spike the heart rate and cortisol levels almost instantly."

She adds that the alarm creates a 'mini stress response' before the day has even begun, so that explains why you often wake up feeling groggy or irritable despite a solid night's kip.

How to wake up when it's dark outside in winter

The cold, winter nights can trigger seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD) for some, which is believed to be caused by the lack of sunlight.

Common symptoms include anxiety, sadness, and oversleeping, which can make getting out of bed even harder.

But psychologists have recommended a nifty gadget that will make waking up that little easier - and it means you can finally turn off that dreaded radar alarm.

"Sunrise alarm clocks offer a gentle alternative," Dr Pilkington says. "By gradually brightening the room to mimic natural dawn, they help the body wake up in sync with its internal rhythm.

"Cortisol rises steadily, not suddenly, which supports a calmer, more refreshed start to the day. How we wake up shapes how we feel for hours after - and soft light can make all the difference."

So, where can you buy a sunrise alarm clock, and how much do they cost? Shop our top picks below.