The Hatch Rest is a popular sleep device that helps users fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. It does this through a combination of light therapy, sound conditioning, and sleep tracking features. A common question many people have is whether the Hatch Rest will work properly if it is not plugged into a power source. In this article, we will dive into the details around using the Hatch Rest in battery mode versus while plugged in.
What is the Hatch Rest?
The Hatch Rest is a sleep device that sits on your nightstand. It has a soft, adjustable light that mimics the colors of a sunrise and sunset to help improve your sleep cycles. It also plays soothing sounds like white noise or nature sounds to mask distractions and help you fall asleep faster.
In addition, the Hatch Rest can track your sleep cycles using its built-in sensors and provide you with detailed sleep reports and coaching through its smartphone app. This allows you to better understand your sleep habits and make improvements over time.
Some key features of the Hatch Rest include:
- Sunrise alarm that wakes you up gradually with light
- Bedtime wind down with sunset lighting
- Audio library with white noise, nature sounds, and more
- Sleep tracking sensors and sleep reports
- Customizable color and brightness settings
- Controlled from smartphone app or device touch bar
- Rechargeable battery for portable use
Does the Hatch Rest work without being plugged in?
The short answer is yes, the Hatch Rest does work when running on its internal battery rather than plugged into a power source. However, there are some limitations to the functionality when in battery mode versus when plugged in.
Battery Mode vs Plugged In
The Hatch Rest has an internal lithium-ion battery that allows it to run in portable mode without being connected to AC power. Here is an overview of how the functionality compares:
Features in Battery Mode
When running on battery power, the Hatch Rest retains core functionality like:
- Clock display and timekeeping
- Sunrise alarm
- Light therapy with customizable colors
- Audio playback
- Basic touch controls
- Sleep tracking sensors
- Connecting to the app via Bluetooth
So in battery mode, you can still leverage the Hatch Rest’s lighting, sounds, alarm clock, and sleep sensors to help improve your sleep. The battery aims to provide enough capacity to get through at least one full night’s use before needing to be recharged.
Features Requiring Power
There are some features of the Hatch Rest that will be disabled or limited when running on battery versus plugged into a power source:
- Brightness is dimmed on battery
- Sunset simulation is disabled
- Duration of light therapy may be shortened
- Continuous audio playback time reduced
- Touch bar controls are limited
- App connectivity may be intermittent
- Sleep tracking data may not sync until powered
So while core functions still work, you’ll get optimal performance when the Hatch Rest is connected to power. The battery is meant as a portable backup, not a permanent replacement for a power source.
Battery Life Details
To better understand how long the Hatch Rest can run in portable mode, here are some details on its battery performance:
Battery Life
- 1800 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
- Typical battery life of 8-10 hours of use
- Provides power for 1-2 nights before recharging
So in general, you can expect up to 10 hours of run time or 1-2 nights before the battery will need recharging. Run time depends on usage – playing audio and using light therapy will drain the battery faster.
Recharging Time
- Fully recharges in about 3 hours when plugged into power source
- Recharges via included USB-C cable and adapter
- Cannot use device while recharging
It takes about 3 hours to fully charge the battery from empty to full. Recharging requires the included power adapter and USB-C cable.
Battery Saving Tips
To help maximize battery life:
- Turn off sunset simulation
- Use auto-off light timer
- Reduce brightness
- Avoid constant audio playback
- Disable Bluetooth when possible
Making adjustments like these can extend the battery runtime by reducing power consumption. But again, best practice is to keep the Hatch Rest plugged in whenever possible.
Considerations for Battery Mode
Here are some other factors to keep in mind when relying on the battery alone:
Inconsistent Experience
With limited functionality and risk of power loss overnight, your experience won’t be as consistent using battery power versus AC power. It may disrupt your sleep routine.
Syncing Limitations
Sleep data may not sync to the app in real time when running on battery. Any tracking data gets stored and synced next time it is plugged in and connects to WiFi.
Travel Use
The portability does make it convenient for travel when you don’t have access to an outlet. Just be aware of the battery life limitations.
Backup Power
The battery serves as a useful backup in the event of a power outage or when traveling. But for everyday home use, plugged in is recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Hatch Rest’s rechargeable battery does allow it to operate in a portable mode, functionality is reduced compared to when the device is plugged into a power source. The battery is intended to enable temporary use for travel or as a backup when needed. For the full Hatch Rest experience with access to all features and settings, running it plugged into AC power is recommended. Limiting usage of battery mode helps ensure you get the full benefits of improved sleep through light therapy, sound conditioning, and sleep tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last?
The Hatch Rest battery will typically last for 8-10 hours of use or 1-2 nights before needing to be recharged. The exact battery life will vary based on usage.
Can the Hatch Rest be used while charging?
No, the Hatch Rest cannot be used while it is plugged in and charging. You must unplug it from power in order to turn the device on and use it.
Does the battery life decrease over time?
Yes, like all rechargeable batteries, the maximum battery life will degrade slowly over time after hundreds of charge cycles. The battery is not user-replaceable.
What happens if the battery dies overnight?
If the battery runs out while you are sleeping, the alarms and overnight light therapy will not function. The device will simply turn off until it is recharged.
Should I turn off Bluetooth to conserve battery?
Yes, disabling Bluetooth in battery mode when not needed for active use can help extend battery run time. Remember to re-enable it when using features that require the app connectivity.
Can I use other chargers besides the included one?
It is recommended to only use the USB-C cable and power adapter included with your Hatch Rest for charging. Using third-party chargers risks damaging the device or battery.
How do I check the battery level?
When unplugged from power, the battery icon indicator on the corner of the Hatch Rest touch bar will show the approximate battery charge level. You can also check battery status in the mobile app.
Summary of Key Points
- The Hatch Rest can operate on its internal rechargeable battery.
- Typical battery life is 8-10 hours or 1-2 nights.
- Core features like light, sound, and alarms remain available.
- Some features are disabled or limited on battery power.
- Fully recharges in about 3 hours when plugged in.
- Battery serves as a convenient backup for travel.
- For full functionality, use plugged into a power source.