The Affordable IKEA Solution To Keep Cell Phones Out Of Your Bedroom At Night

By now, most of us have heard that screen time immediately before bed is a bad idea. According to a study published in the journal Cureus, restricting phone usage before sleep showed positive effects on memory, sleep quality, mood, and the time it took to fall asleep. The results are clear, so why can't we break the bad habit? While the addictive nature of social media and the desire to feel connected around the clock certainly have a major impact, there's a more functional reason we keep our phones nearby that many don't consider: alarms.

If our phones are out of the room or turned off when we tuck in for bed, there's a strong chance that many of us would sleep straight through our important commitments the next day. That's where IKEA comes into the picture. If you've committed to creating a peaceful bedroom for a good night's sleep, a low-tech device like IKEA's Kupong alarm clock will help eliminate the need to have access to your phone throughout the night and into the morning.

Coming in at just $1.99, this simple product can be one of the most affordable swaps you can make to improve your sleep quality. With an alarm that gradually increases in volume over the course of two minutes if it's not turned off — it's designed to be a reliable and effective way to rouse even the most sound sleepers.

IKEA's Kupong alarm clock is small, measuring 2 ¾ inches long, 2 ¼ inches tall, and just 1 ½ inches wide. It features a simple, unlit display that shows the current time, and there are two buttons on the back that can be used to set the alarm and the clock. All in all, this is an incredibly low-frills device. The clock's tiny size works for those looking for the best ways to make the most of a small bedroom, but also for anyone wanting to keep things streamlined and simple design-wise.

The clock is battery-operated. While it doesn't come with batteries included, slightly increasing its price tag, the lack of a cord means it can be placed anywhere without having to search for an outlet. It only requires one AAA battery, but if you want to avoid having to declutter used batteries (the right way), consider also picking up some Ladda rechargeable batteries and a Litosfär battery charger on your IKEA trip.

While some customers on IKEA's website shared that they had issues setting up the clock initially, others report being pleased with the simple design and the convenience it provides. Style it on your bedside table next to your nighttime essentials — your current read, a journal, a carafe of water — or place it across the room for some extra motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Meanwhile, leave your phone in the kitchen or the living room overnight to charge, and enjoy your screen-free wind-down — you're sure to feel the difference in the morning.