There are nearly as many alarm types as there are types of clock. Here we'll tell you about a few that are available.

Bell Alarm - A ringing sound caused mechanically. On a Twin Bells type clock this is a clanger vibrating back and forth between two bells. The mechanism is actually visible on the top of the clock.

Radio Alarm - With a radio alarm you have the choice of an alarm sound, usually a buzzer, or the sound of the radio station of your choice to wake you up.

Beeping Alarm - This makes an electronic beeping noise.

Ascending Alarm - This starts out softly and becomes louder and louder until it beeps constantly.

Repeating Alarm - A repeating alarm will ring for a while, stop then start again. As this is usually found on a wind-up type alarm clock, the repetition will continue until the spring has completely wound down.

CD Alarm - An alarm clock which not only gives you the choice of radio stations and a buzzer but your own CD selection too.

Nature Clock - There are a number of clocks on the market which will waken you with a variety of nature sounds. These may include waterfalls, light rain and ocean waves. Some include an aromatherapy option so you can go to sleep or wake up with a choice of nature sounds and/or essential oil aromas.

Novelty - There are too many of these to mention but some I have encountered range from the sublime Tibetan gong sounds to the ridiculous quacking of a duck.

Sunrise - This type of alarm simulates the rising of the sun with the light increasing in brightness, just like a real sunrise.

Strobe Light - This has a high intensity flashing light to waken you. Doesn't sound very pleasant, does it?

I'm sure that there are many alarm options which we haven't noted here but this just goes to show what a huge choice there is out there.

In our next article, we'll look at some other features which you can select when buying an alarm clock.