By David Wallace

Inventors and sleepers alike might prefer the appropriately named "alarm clock" to be a little less alarming. Instead of a jarring buzzer or bell, creative technological advances now provide you the option to awaken gradually via music, the sounds of nature and aromatherapy scents. No matter the method, the goal is to get you out of bed and out the door in a timely manner.

Sunrise simulators or progressive alarms awaken you gently by illuminating more brightly if ignored offering some relief from the shrill bugle call of reveille. Some devices have their own bulbs, while others can be used with a bedside lamp to deliver a light that gets brighter—just as audio alarms escalate volume to get you on your feet in no time.

Similar devices offer aromatherapy or even images which can be projected on the ceiling above you to mobilize you from the horizontal to vertical.

Some people approach the unpleasant early-morning wake-up by making a game of it. "Clocky" is an alarm invented at MIT with two wheels that run away if you fail to turn it off. Oversleep the snooze function and it can scooter all over the room until you catch it, find it or disable the alarm.

For portable solutions, iPod alarm clock options have multiplied. One choice from Radio Shack offers a retro look of two alarm bells atop a round dial alluring you out of bed via your own personalized playlist.

Yet another consideration: the "Sound Oasis" which can even use your own voice as a wake-up message.

Naturally, there is an abundance of mechanisms to get you springing or stumbling out of bed. But if all you really want is a clock that helps lull you into sleep rather than jarring you out of a deep slumber, finding an alarm clock that also provides the gentle noises of waterfalls, breezes and chirping birds might be the sweet-sounding alternative you've been searching for.

The day is filled with plenty of noise and alarm, so opt for a fresh start each morning with something slightly less abrupt.