What Can I Do If My Flatmate’s Alarm Clock Keeps Going Off All Morning?

We’ve all been there — it’s early, you’re trying to sleep, and your flatmate’s alarm clock won’t stop blaring. Whether it’s a snooze-happy housemate or an alarm left ringing while they’re out, a noisy morning can quickly turn your shared home into a source of frustration. So what can you do when your flatmate’s alarm keeps going off all morning?

1. Talk to Your Flatmate First

The simplest step — and often the most effective — is to have a polite chat. Your flatmate may not realise how disruptive their alarm is, especially if their bedroom wall is shared with yours. Try saying something like:

“Hey, I’ve been waking up really early because of your alarm. Would you mind adjusting it or using a quieter tone?”

A calm, non-accusatory approach usually works best. Most people will want to resolve the issue once they know it’s causing you problems.

2. Suggest Practical Solutions

If they’re struggling to wake up and rely on multiple alarms, suggest compromises:

• Change the alarm tone to something less piercing.
• Move the alarm closer to their bed so they have to turn it off quickly.
• Use a vibrating alarm or smartwatch instead of a loud phone alarm.
• Set fewer alarms — just one or two within a short window.

If your flatmate is open to suggestions, these small changes can make a big difference.

3. Establish “Quiet Hours”

If you’re living in shared accommodation, you can agree on house rules — including quiet hours. Most flatmates can find a compromise, such as no alarms before a certain time unless absolutely necessary. Writing this down in a shared living agreement can make expectations clear and fair for everyone.

4. Use Earplugs or White Noise

If all else fails, protect your own sleep. Soft silicone or foam earplugs can dull early-morning sounds, and a white noise app can help mask background noise. It’s not a perfect fix, but it can reduce your stress while you work toward a longer-term solution.

5. If Communication Breaks Down

If your flatmate ignores repeated requests and the noise becomes unbearable, consider escalating:

• Contact your landlord or letting agent if the disruption breaches your right to quiet enjoyment of your home.
• Seek mediation through your university housing office or a tenant support organisation if you’re in student accommodation.

These steps should be a last resort — but they can help when simple communication doesn’t work.

Final Thoughts

Living with others means compromise. An annoying alarm clock might seem small, but when it interrupts your sleep every morning, it’s a genuine issue. A respectful conversation, a few practical changes, and a shared understanding of noise boundaries can usually solve the problem — keeping your mornings (and your friendships) peaceful.