As previously established in this forum (read: my thoughts on blackout sleep masks), I think a lot about sleep. How many hours did I get last night? What time do I have to get into bed tonight to have enough wind down time? Sometimes I think more about sleep than I do actually sleeping.
As part of this sleep fixation, I’m also someone who requires ample ‘wind down’ time to be able to slumber at a reasonable hour – which also means having dim lighting before bed.
So, when a kindly colleague offered me a sunrise alarm clock they didn’t think they’d get enough use out of, I accepted with enthusiastic curiosity. While a sunrise alarm clock is true to its name in its alarm clock abilities, it was the before-sleep functions I was mainly interested in.
Sunrise alarm clock review
While a bedside table lamp provides significantly more ambience than a ghastly overhead light does, it is still bright. When you’re really wanting to get all dozy before sleep, the dim, customisable light of the clock is perfect. After my shower, I’ll switch from the bedside table lamp to the alarm clock light and it’s ideal for doing your skincare – or even for mellow reading. I also love the sleep aid functions that means you can set natural noises like rain or even the FM radio on a timer to help you doze off.
While I don’t quite reap the benefits of the gradual light function that mimics sunrise in the mornings (as I’m a blackout sleep mask wearer), I absolutely love the gradual wakeup of the accompanying aural alarm. I actually find myself smiling when I start to hear the gradual crescendo of the mix of recorded birds chirps and piano music. So, it’s safe to say that gone are the days of groaning at the aggressive honk of my smartphone alarm.
The dual alarm is great because I can set two alarms: one for weekdays (7:55am) and one for weekends when I’ve got a gym class (8:15am). You’ve got your pick of an array of nature-inspired sounds – with my favourite one being the aforementioned bird’s song.
There’s a USB port that’s great for charging your phone but I try to leave my phone out of my room at night time, seeing as I no longer rely on my phone’s clock app to wake me up. So, a sunrise alarm clock is also great if you’re actively trying to lower your screen time.
In short, I’d award the sunrise alarm clock five stars for being so user-friendly, assisting in winding down before sleep and having the most delightful alarms to wake up to.
What is the best sunrise alarm clock of 2024?
Below, we look at some of the best sunrise alarm clocks on the market that make for easy wakeup as well as winding down.
Boxtery Sunrise alarm clock, $50.99 (usually $59.99), Amazon
Like the reviewed sunrise alarm clock, this model comes with all the bells and whistles of helpful features. If the yellow light doesn’t pique your fancy, opt for a moody red or a relaxing green.
Key features:
- Sunrise simulation with 20 levels of brightness
- FM radio
- Seven light colours
- Dual alarm clock and snooze
- Sleep aid feature
- USB port to charge phone
- Night light and bedside lamp
- Quick delivery
Tuerthy Wake-up Light alarm clock, $49.98 (usually $75.66), Amazon
Picked as Amazon’s choice, this Wakeup Light alarm clock aims give you a more gentle wakeup with its gradual light and breezy alarm. With over 400 five-star reviews, and an overall rating of 4.3 stars, you can be rest assured this clock is one of quality.
Key features:
- Sunrise simulation with 20 levels of brightness
- Sunset simulator sleep aid
- Seven white noise sounds
- Dual alarm
- FM radio
- Seven light colours
- Clock display
- Tap snooze
- 16 adjustable volume
- Dual alarm clock and snooze
- Quick delivery
Philips wakeup light LED clock, $124.83, Amazon
With almost 2000 five-star reviews, this Philips wakeup LED light clock is something of a cult favourite. Simulating sunrise for 30 minutes – as well as simulating sunset – it makes for gentler beginnings and endings to the day.
Key features:
- 30-minute sunrise simulation for natural wakeup
- 10 light levels
- Two alarm tones
- 24-month warranty
Does the sunrise alarm clock actually work?
By emitting warm light that gets brighter and brighter over a sustained period – mimicking a sunrise – a sunrise alarm clock aims stimulate the body to have a more natural wakeup. Some sleep experts say that sunrise alarm clocks can be effective in helping to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm while also saying they may not be effective for everyone – especially those who wear eye masks, for example.
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