I personally have lived without an alarm clock for years due to my distaste for the frightful way they jolt you awake. Whether it be light music or trickling water, they all leave me feeling bitter. But, I recently came across what I think could be a very good appliance for the bedroom. They call it the Lumie Bodyclock, and it rings true for me.

This clock has a large light affixed to the top of it that gradually brightens to awaken you. Since our bodies are naturally tuned to respond to the sun rising, it makes plain sense to use this bedroom light to mimic it. Basically, you can program it so the sun rises for you each day when you want it to. Your body will react as the lightbox brightens incrementally, and you will not be startled.