It’s safe to say we all know how crucial quality sleep is for our overall health and mental well-being. Prioritizing quality sleep can help improve your mood, enhance alertness for a productive day, help manage metabolism, among many other benefits. A good night’s sleep also key in maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, allowing the body to repair and recover when it’s not awake.
As someone who very much values a solid 8 hours of sleep each night, I am always on the quest for the perfect night’s sleep. Over time this has included a mattress upgrade, new sheets, a hotel-like duvet insert, and even pillow sprays and sleep masks. The latest addition to my sleep routine is the Hatch Restore 2 machine.
Hatch Restore 2 is more than just an alarm clock, it’s a comprehensive wellness device designed to help you create a better bedtime routine for improved sleep. From a sunrise alarm clock that mimics natural light to customizable sounds and white noise functionality, the Hatch Restore 2 aims to revolutionize the way you prioritize sleep.
In this review I’m diving into Hatch Restore 2’s key features and the overall user experience of this sleep improvement device. Restore 2 has been a valuable companion on my journey for improved and more restful sleep, but it’s also helped me me reduce screen time at night and in the morning.
For the TL;DR version of this Hatch Restore 2 review, click here.
Hatch Restore 2 Review
What is Hatch Restore 2?
The Restore 2 is an updated version of the original Hatch restore adult sleep machine. It functions as a versatile sleep companion, blending features of a smart alarm clock, sunrise lamp, and white noise machine. But unlike other sleep gadgets, the Hatch Restore 2 isn’t a sleep tracker that inundates you with metrics every morning to determine your sleeping patterns or sleep quality.
Instead, Restore 2’s primary focus is to empower you to build better, consistent nighttime and morning routines to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This intentional approach fosters improved sleep habits, ultimately leading to genuinely restful sleep.
Difference Between Hatch 1 and Hatch 2
The main differences between Hatch Restore 1 and Hatch Restore 2 are the options. Both devices have the sunset lamp, sunrise alarm, and sleep sounds. However, Hatch Restore 2 is more customizable, with 10 sunrise alarms, more light and sound pairings, and 21 new sleep sounds not found on Hatch Restore 1.
And if you upgrade to the Hatch+ subscription (more on this later), Hatch Restore 2 has a new Morning Moment routine that’s not available with the original Hatch Restore device.
Hatch Restore 2
- Upgraded, more modern design
- Available in 3 colors
- 3 speakers
- Sunrise alarm with 10 new sounds
- Sunset lamp with new light and sound pairings
- 21 new sleep sounds
- Morning Moment routine
Hatch Restore 1
- Original design
- Available in 1 color
- 1 speaker
- Sunrise alarm
- Sunset lamp
- Sleep sounds
How to Use Hatch Restore 2
To use Hatch Restore 2, you need to download the free Hatch Restore sleep app for your phone, available in the Apple Store and Google Play Store. A Wi-Fi connection is also required.
The free version of the app allows you to customize sleep and wake up times, sunrise light options, and sleep sounds. However, you can also subscribe to Hatch+, and upgraded paid version that provides extra customizable options like calming sunset lights and sounds for nighttime, along with exclusive sleep stories and morning playlists to further enhance your bedtime and wake-up routines.
Setting up the Restore 2 is extremely easy. Just plug in the device, download the app, and follow the instructions on your phone’s screen to get started. The mobile app features a very user-friendly interface; you can completely customize your morning and nighttime routines or answer a few questions and have the app build light and sound pairings for you.
At the time of writing this, Hatch+ is $4.99/month or $49.99/year.
I decided to fully commit to improving my bedtime routine, so I am reviewing Hatch Restore 2 with the Hatch sleep membership.
Morning and Nighttime Routines
As mentioned above, Hatch Restore 2 focuses on building better routines rather than metrics like other sleep and wellness devices.
Although you can personalize every single night and morning, the big idea is to get to bed and wake up at the same time every single day. By doing this, you’re re-enforcing your body’s circadian rhythm so that it can run efficiently during the day and rest properly at night.
Here’s a look at my nighttime and rise routines on my Hatch Restore app:
Hatch Restore 2 Features and Smart Technology
Sunrise Alarm
One of my favorite features of Hatch Restore 2 is the sunrise alarm. When we’re exposed to light in the morning, our brain is prompted for a natural wake up for the day.
The gradual light of Hatch Restore 2 mimics that of a real sunrise to support your sleep cycle and natural circadian rhythm.
Even on days when I’m waking up before it’s light out, I’m able to enjoy the same benefits from the light of a real sunrise. It feels a lot more natural and peaceful than abruptly flipping on the lights in my room, and I have also noticed that I’m waking up feeling a lot more energized thanks to a gradual wake up process.
hatch restore 2 Sounds
Instead of waking up to jarring alarms, Hatch Restore 2 has an extensive playlist of soothing wake up sounds to help you start you day rejuvenated, not jolted awake.
You can create a completely personalized wake up experience on Hatch Restore 2, with tons of different alarm sounds and light options like Malibu Sunrise or Tropical Morning.
Morning Moment
Is it possible to be excited for a wakeup call? Because with this device I can honestly say I look forward to my mornings thanks to my Morning Moment.
Morning Moment is a Hatch+ subscription feature that plays as part of your morning routine. After you’ve turned off your alarm, this feature provides you with a few minutes of daily inspiration before you start your day.
Before Hatch, my alarm would sound on my phone, I’d grab it, turn it off, and immediately check my email.
Now, I don’t even want to reach for my phone. Instead, I stay in bed an eagerly await daily motivation, meditation, and affirmations on my favorite Morning Moment playlist: The Reset.
Unwind Feature
Similarly to how a sunrise prompts our body to wake up, a sunset signals to our body that it’s time to wind down and start preparing for sleep.
Hatch Restore 2 features an “unwind” feature (Hatch+ subscription required) that emulates a calming sunset, along with a variety of evening sounds. You can choose between more traditional sleep machine noises like relaxing music or guided playlists, as well as unique bedtime story series like “History from A to Zonked” and “Sleepy Time Sports.”
These unwind playlists are anywhere between 15 – 20 minutes, and they’re a really nice way to get into a nighttime mindset and off your phone. Often, I fall asleep before the track is even over.
Sleep Sounds and White Noise
Hatch Restore 2 features tons of sleep sounds ranging from brown and white noise to night rain, thunderstorms, and ocean waves. You can even select sounds like a hair dryer or dishwasher to help lull yourself to sleep.
Ambient noise can play a crucial part in sleep. It helps drown out city noises like cars and sirens, along with noisy neighbors and other interruptions. On Hatch Restore 2, you can also customize the volume of your ambient noise to find the perfect level based on personal preference.
Bedside Light
Choose between several different color combinations to help rejuvenate your body for the morning or cue it to unwind and relax for bedtime.
You can adjust the brightness of the bedside lamp individually for morning and nighttime.
hatch restore 2 colors and Design
Aside from the functional features of Hatch Restore 2, I also appreciate its aesthetic appeal. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of ugly alarm clocks out there, and I like that Hatch Restore 2 seamlessly integrates with existing nightstand décor without being super obvious that it’s a tech device. The result is a very beautiful tabletop display.
The digital time only appears when you tap the device, and with two large buttons on the top; a rest button and a rise button to help you end and start your days.
Hatch Restore 2 is available in 3 neutral colors to match your bedroom’s palette. I have Putty.
Every night except Friday and Saturday, I aim to start my bedtime routine at 9:30pm. I get into bed, listen to a nighttime track, and I’m usually asleep even before the brown noise turns on, around 10pm.
Before using Hatch Restore 2, I’d be on my phone right until I shut my eyes. Now, I’m taking those 15 – 20 minutes to wind down instead of starting at a bright phone sceen.
For morning wake ups, I have a little more variance depending on my workload. However, I try to wake up at the same time every day during the week, then give myself a little extra time to sleep in on weekends.
Every single day after I turn off my alarm, I take a few minutes for my Morning Moment, one of the rise routines on the Hatch app. This provides me with a few extra minutes before I’m up for the day, and instead of grabbing my phone first thing, I’m starting my morning more intentionally and peacefully.
Pros and Cons of Hatch Restore 2
I absolutely love my Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock. If you’re looking to build better sleep habits, spend less time on your phone at night and in the mornings, and wake up more peacefully, I think you will love this, too.
This device has played a huge role in developing a consistent bedtime routine, and in turn it’s allowed me to have a better night’s sleep and wake up refreshed.
Here’s how Hatch Restore 2 has helped me:
- I’m ending and starting my days with less time on my phone, which is something I’ve really tried to be more cognizant of over the last year or so.
- This device has also allowed me to get into the habit of giving myself a few extra intentional minutes each morning. Although a small act, this has created a huge impact on the hours that follow, and I feel a lot less flustered every morning.
- Going to bed and waking up has felt less like a chore, and I actually look forward to the routine of it thanks to inspired playlists and a personalized experience that I enjoy.
- I’m feeling better rested each morning.
- I’m more aware of my habits, and keep up with my routine even when I’m away from home and not using the machine.
Here are the pros and cons of Hatch Restore 2:
Pros
- Completely personalized sleep experience through a detailed, but user-friendly app
- Consistent bed and wake up times mean you can set it and forget it
- Sunrise lamp allows for a more natural-feeling wake-up experience
- Simple, streamlined buttons make it easy to use
- Minimalist design and neutral colors look good on any nightstand
- Clock is only visible when tapped, so there’s no bright light while sleeping
- General app is free, and includes the basic functionality to experience the device
- Hatch+ subscription provides even options like nighttime playlists to help lull you to sleep, along with morning playlists to start your days with purpose
Cons
- For the truly full Restore 2 experience, a paid Hatch+ subscription is required
- Device is larger than expected
- If you have a partner, it could be hard to agree on a playlist or routine
- High price tag
Is the Hatch Restore 2 Worth It?
If getting better sleep is high on your priority list, then yes. Hatch Restore 2 is a solid investment that will help you do so by helping you build better habits.
Sleep is a vital part of our lives, and a good night’s sleep is crucial when it comes to our brain’s performance, our mood, and our overall health.
I know $200 for an aesthetically pleasing alarm clock, plus an additional $50 per year to enjoy the full features isn’t exactly super affordable. But assuming you use it even 10 of 12 months of the year, that’s less than $1 per night for a better sleep. Hatch Restore 2 can truly help you build better nighttime and morning habits that lead to a better night’s sleep. And at the end of the day, you can’t actually put a price on increased wellness, can you?
I love gently waking up with the sunrise alarm and its pleasant sounds, then taking a few extra minutes to start my days with intention. I’m falling asleep quickly thanks to unwind cues and relaxing stories at night.
I’ve always been a natural morning person, but for the last few years I’ve adopting the bad habits of scrolling at night and jumping onto my phone first thing in the morning.
Now, I’m spending less time on my phone at night and not reaching for it first thing when I rise each day. I’m enjoying a few quiet minutes in the morning before my hectic work days, and I’m embracing the slowness of it, even if it’s quick. Most importantly, because of these things, I’m getting a better sleep and waking up well rested.
Where to Buy Hatch Restore 2
Luckily, Hatch Restore 2 is easy to find and available at multiple retailers.
Of course, you can get Hatch Restore 2 directly from the brand’s own website, but you can also find it at these retailers:
