Ditch Your Morning Alarm for These Wake-Up Lights
Morning alarm clocks can be, well, alarming. If you’re tired of being jolted awake by the obnoxious alarms on your phone or smart speaker, then switching to a different option could help. A sunrise alarm clock is designed specifically to give people more peaceful mornings and wake-up routines. My mornings have never been better since I got rid of my regular alarm clock and started using a sunrise.
They work by emitting a light as opposed to an anxiety-inducing sound, creating the illusion that you’re waking up to sun peeking through your window. They can also help with your mental health in winter, when sun exposure is limited and seasonal affective disorder takes hold.
Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant and author, told CNET she came across these types of noise-optional alarm clocks when researching noise pollution. “Our lives and homes are filled with noise, and this creates the potential for insomnia, anxiety and stress,” Gold says. “I love the idea of these silent alarm clocks for tying in with our natural circadian rhythms and helping start our days on a calmer note.
Some heavy sleepers may need a stronger wake-up system, but if you’re not one of them, it’s definitely a solution worth considering.” Creating or redoing bedrooms in ways that reduce noise pollution and enhance sleep is a crucial component of wellness design, the practice of designing a space to promote physical and emotional health, she added. I personally feel like I’ve had a better night’s sleep since using a sunrise alarm clock.
I am also happier when I wake up and feel as if my days have been more productive. Exposure to artificial light in the mornings can improve cognitive performance throughout the day, according to a small study in the journal Behavioral Brain Research, so my reaction may not be all placebo effect. These few picks are our favorites and would make a great gift for anyone who needs less noise and more light in their life.
Take a close look at the features each of these clocks offer — a sleep timer, snooze functionality; some can even be used as a reading light. Once you fight your perfect sunrise simulation clock, you’ll be enjoying deep sleep and better mornings. This list is updated periodically.
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