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Original poster

5:30am alarm in top floor flat

18 replies

XIIILC · 25/09/2015 18:49

I live in a flat on the top floor, been here a few months, previously lived on the ground floor so never had to worry about these things, but today the downstairs neighbour knocked on the door to ask if we could possibly not have alarms going off at 5:30am, because the vibration carries through the floor.

I apologized and explained that my partner is a nurse and has to be up really early, hence the early alarms, but would speak to him when he gets home to sort it out. I completely sympathize with her, 5:30am is early. But I'm not sure how else my partner is supposed to wake up?

I'm also worried about every little noise now, I have a very heavy footed toddler and I myself have a damaged foot so can be quite heavy footed. On top of that I have an African Grey parrot who can be very loud at times. Usually at night and early morning we're all fairly quiet, but I'm worried I'll be pissing off the neighbours from now on.

How do other families cope in flats?

OP posts:
Phineyj · 25/09/2015 18:52

One of those alarms that puts the light on gradually?

Palomb · 25/09/2015 18:55

Maybe try one of those light alarms or one with a very quiet radio?

My alarm clock is a very retro wireless one and it just beeps quietly once and I always wake up first time. I'll see if I can find it.

Original poster
XIIILC · 25/09/2015 18:59

We've got a similar light up clock, works great for me but my partner doesn't seem to budge.

I feel so incredibly guilty that they've been woken up by us

OP posts:
WeAllHaveWings · 25/09/2015 19:00

What type of alarm does he use? Is it a radio clock or his mobile vibrating? If it's a mobile maybe keep the noise on but switch off the vibrate.

goodasitgets · 25/09/2015 19:04

I can't hear the flat above me ever. Maybe a vague noise from the washing machine but I never hear TV or footsteps Confused
Can he pop the alarm on a pillow or something? Mine goes off at 5.30 too!

Original poster
XIIILC · 25/09/2015 19:04

It's a mobile. I think we will be trying switching off the vibration tonight, hope it helps. I dread to think what it'd be like if there was ever a new baby up here

OP posts:
chutneypig · 25/09/2015 19:06

I use the vibrating alarm on my fitness tracker. It's on my wrist and always wakes me. It's virtually silent, so might be worth thinking about.

Original poster
XIIILC · 25/09/2015 19:09

Goodasitgets I used to hear footsteps and things like that in my previous flat, but it never bothered me at all. Occasionally heard alarms but was very minimal.

This building is almost 100 years old though so I guess noises carry easier

OP posts:
OddBoots · 25/09/2015 19:19

I get up much earlier than my db and I don't want to wake him so I use my watch for an alarm, mine (Pebble) has a vibrate so it really doesn't disturb dh but a regular one would work in your situation.

OddBoots · 25/09/2015 19:20

By db I mean dh, oops. My dh is not my db!

specialsubject · 26/09/2015 21:02

as phones should not be in bedrooms anyway, try a real alarm clock with a beep. Shows willing.

but people living in flats have to accept some disturbance.

Artandco · 26/09/2015 21:06

Does he keep the phone on the floor? My phone alarm just buzzes quickly and makes a quiet noise ( as in my children sleeping in same bedroom stay asleep). Can he put the alarm on a bedside table or edge or bed so it isn't vibrating on floor

Is the floor wooden? I think that makes a difference, we are on top floor but concrete floors between each flat. Our neighbours below were surprised to find we have children after they moved in for 6 months as had never heard anything.

Can you add carpet/ thick rugs?

BIWI · 26/09/2015 21:09

Why shouldn't phones be in the bedroom?

specialsubject · 26/09/2015 21:42

sleep hygiene disaster - blue light. Turn it off, ideally leave it downstairs which gets you away from it before settling down.

same for laptops and TVs.

Artandco · 26/09/2015 21:51

Special - what blue light? Surely you only get a light from it if your using it? If it's just on bedside table as alarm it's not going to affect 'sleep hygiene'

ifonly4 · 27/09/2015 10:37

We live in a semi detached house and could hear out neighbours alarm going off around 5/5.30am, so as your neighbour has, we had a word. She was good enough to buy another alarm (not sure what type) which has done the trick, so it may be a case of trial and error.

My DD sets the alarm on his watch, which isn't that loud but normally wakes one of us up. Maybe you could have the back up of the mobile a few mins later on a soft surface (ie cushioned sit, slightly opened drawer of clothes) which might soften the vibration.

specialsubject · 27/09/2015 11:13

the point is that most people are fiddling with the thing right until lights out, and then can't go to sleep. It's up to you if you want your brick in reach at all times.

as I had a mistaken text at 4am last night I'm sticking by my policy of phones downstairs and OFF!

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