Let's talk sleep. With everything that's happening in the world, more and more people are saying it's hard for them to sleep... or blink... or stop shaking! But in all seriousness, studies show sleep is one of the most important parts of our day.
When we're teenagers (or even in college) we push the limits of our bodies and pull all-nighters or at the very least go on minimal sleep. At that young age, it's not usually a problem to sleep for two hours and fully function the next day. As we get older, yeah, not so much!
For us at Buff Loft, our schedule is different than most typical office workers. We don't have a commute since we live in the building and our workday doesn't start at 8 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. or even 9 a.m. like most people. Because of that, we don't generally need an alarm clock since we wake up at 10 or 10:30. Still, getting a good sleep is the issue, it's not necessarily the time we wake up.
Enter the Hatch Restore 2, the sleep device promising to revolutionize your bedtime routine and usher you into a land of blissful slumber. But does it actually live up to the hype? I've been using it for a few weeks and here's what I've observed and experienced.
First Impressions: Sleek and Sophisticated
Right out of the box, the Hatch Restore 2 is undeniably beautiful. It's got a clean, minimalist design that'll look great on any nightstand. Our bedrooms are mostly white and it's actually the perfect color for our decor. The fabric-wrapped exterior is a nice touch, giving it a more premium feel than other sleep aids. Setting it up was surprisingly easy: download the app, connect to Wi-Fi and you're ready to go.
What Does It Actually Do?
The Hatch Restore 2 is more than just a pretty nightlight. It's designed to help you create a personalized sleep routine, from wind-down to wake-up. Here's a breakdown of the key features:
Soundscapes: This is where the Hatch really shines. It offers a library of calming sounds, from white noise and nature soundscapes to guided meditations and sleep stories. I particularly love the "Rain on Tent" sound - it's surprisingly soothing.
Sunrise Alarm: Forget jarring alarm clocks! The Hatch gradually brightens, mimicking a natural sunrise, which gently nudges you awake. I find this MUCH less stressful than my phone alarm.
Customizable Light: You can adjust the color, brightness, and duration of the light to create the perfect ambiance for reading, relaxing or simply winding down.
App Integration: The app is the control center for everything. It's user-friendly and allows you to customize your routines, track your sleep and discover new content.
The Good, the Bad and the Sleepy
What I Love:
Sunrise Alarm: Seriously, this is a game-changer. Waking up feeling refreshed and less groggy is a huge win.
Customization: The ability to personalize everything from the soundscapes to the light settings is fantastic. You can really tailor it to your individual needs and preferences.
Ease of Use: The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for tech newbies.
Aesthetic Appeal: It looks great on my nightstand, adding a touch of zen to my bedroom.
What Could Be Better:
Price Point: Let's be honest, the Hatch Restore 2 isn't cheap. It's a significant investment, and that might be a barrier for some people. ($150+)
Subscription Content: While there's a decent selection of free content, some of the more enticing soundscapes and stories require a subscription.
Connectivity Issues: I experienced a few minor hiccups with the Wi-Fi connection, which could be frustrating if you're relying on it for your alarm. (And Buff Loft is on our company's tech network so Wi-Fi here isn't just cheap home Wi-Fi. We've got top-of-the-line reliability.)
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, does the Hatch Restore 2 live up to the hype? For me, the answer is a qualified yes. If you're struggling with sleep, have the budget and are willing to invest in creating a consistent sleep routine, it can be a valuable tool. The sunrise alarm alone is worth the price of admission in my opinion.
It's not a magic bullet though. It won't cure insomnia overnight. It requires commitment to using it regularly and experimenting to find what works best for you.
Ultimately, the Hatch Restore 2 is a tool that can help you create a more peaceful and restorative sleep environment. It's not a guaranteed fix, but with a little effort and patience, it could be the key to unlocking a better night's rest. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go listen to the "Rain on Tent" sound and drift off to dreamland. Nighty-night!