Hannah is the Lead Writer for SADA and a passionate advocate for those living with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Through research, storytelling and understanding, she hopes to expand the awareness and knowledge of SAD, and provide support to those in need.

Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Despite the cold, dark morning air that has become an all too common part of my life, I was determined not to let Seasonal Affective Disorder get the best of me this winter. That’s why I invested in a sunrise alarm clock – it changed everything! Waking up to natural light and sound is transformative; when the grey dawn gave way to a brilliant golden sunrise, it filled me with hope and possibility.

As soon as days get shorter, my energy levels dip dramatically, making it even harder to face another frigid day lit only by dreary street lamps. But now I wake up refreshed on dark mornings with sunlight flooding through my room. This device unlocks all potential for those struggling with winter depression: greater motivation, improved concentration, focus, and reduced stress levels.

Struggling with persistent low moods during winter is no fun; though it feels like gloomy darkness will never give way to bright sunshine again, thankfully, there’s help available in the form of a sunrise alarm clock or wake-up light. Combining nature’s beauty with innovative technology, these helpful devices recreate natural sunlight in your bedroom each morning for those who need an extra boost when confronting longer nights and shorter days and battling Seasonal Affective Disorder can finally be achievable.

SADA’s best picks for Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Below we have included a list of our most recommended Sunrise Alarm Clocks for treating SAD.

Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150

The Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 is an excellent choice for anyone who values restful, healthy, and energizing sleep. The clock’s signature feature is its integrated LED bulb, which mimics the soft color of sunrise and sunset to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm more naturally.

The sunrise/sunset duration can be adjusted to 20, 30, or 45 minutes, enabling you to create the perfect light routine for transitioning into and out of restful sleep. Additionally, the adjustable intensity allows you to customize how quickly you’re brought out of a state of rest. This clock also features a low-level nightlight option that gradually fades away over time or can be turned off if desired.

Lumie's Sunrise Alarm Closke the Bodyclock Glow 150
The Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 is a great addition to anyone who suffers from SAD.

On top of all these features, the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 offers a fully dimmable bedtime lighting option that provides enough brightness without being too harsh at night. And finally, there’s an optional daily alarm with a tap-control snooze and an optional beep for when it’s time to wake up. All in all, the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 will help any person get a more restful night’s sleep while simultaneously allowing them to wake up with plenty of energy and enthusiasm each new day.

Click Here to View the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 on Amazon

Philips SmartSleep

The Philips Smartsleep is the ideal way to start your day with a natural and refreshing wake-up experience. This clinically-proven device provides seven natural sounds, including Forest Day, Buddha, Yoga, Ocean Waves, Nepal Bowls, Morning Alps, and Summer Lake. These sounds have been designed to ease you into the morning with a gentle transition from sleeping to waking.

Philips Smart Sleep
Unlock greater restful sleep with Philips Smart Sleep, the smarter way to a better night’s rest!

In addition to its radio function and natural sounds, the Smartsleep also features a Wake-Up Light that re-creates a natural sunrise inside your bedroom. As the light gradually increases in intensity over 30 minutes of mild morning red passing through orange until your room is filled with bright yellow light, it stimulates your body to wake up naturally. This can be combined with one of the seven natural sounds for an even more refreshing experience – so you are ready to take on whatever comes during the day!

The Philips Smartsleep also helps ensure you get enough restful sleep at night. Its dimming light and sound setting lull you into dreamland, while its USB port allows you to charge your mobile phone without hassle or interruption. With this device in place as part of your nighttime routine, sweet dreams are guaranteed!

Overall, the Philips Smartsleep is an innovative and effective way to wake up in the morning and get a restful night of sleep. With its Wake-Up light, natural sounds, and USB port for mobile phone charging, it’s no wonder that 92% of users found it easier to get out of bed in the morning.

How Does a Sunrise Alarm Clock Work?

These devices are a special type of alarm clock that uses natural light to help wake you up in the morning. This type of alarm clock has become increasingly popular due to its ability to simulate the effects of the rising sun and naturally ease users out of sleep instead of jarring them awake with sound.

The technology behind these devices takes advantage of our body’s natural circadian rhythm, or biological clock, by slowly introducing light into a dark room before your set waking time. It does this through an LED bulb that functions as an intensely bright wake-up lamp – sometimes known as a wake up lights or wake up lamps – which grows brighter leading up to your desired wake-up time. Inside the human eye are specialized cells called photoreceptors which detect changes in light and send signals to the brain, stimulating our melatonin production and resetting our natural circadian rhythm. The soft light that gradually intensifies helps prepare us for the day ahead while reducing restlessness and grogginess generally associated with standard alarm clocks.

To ensure optimal performance, Sunrise Alarm Clocks allow you to customize your lighting settings by assigning specific brightness levels at different times throughout the night.

Must Have Features For Your Wake Up Light

Sunrise alarm clocks are gaining high popularity these days, as they provide several features that help to improve overall sleeping routine. When choosing a product, it is essential to consider certain features. Below is a list of what we consider to be the most important features to look out for:

Adjustable Brightness

Ability to customize the brightness of the display which will make it easier to ready in both bright and dark settings without being too harsh on your eyes.

Snooze Mode

A snooze button enables to hit snooze and go back to dreamland for few more minutes ,so you don’t have to be shocked back up by a rude alarm sound again and again.

Wake Up Sounds

A wide range of wake-up sounds from natural noise such as chirping birds, ocean waves or rain drops, to radio frequency so you can listen a profile music.

Battery Backup

Some devices come with rechargeable batteries that guarantee power supply even during a power blackout.

Timer Settings

Ability to adjust time settings for the alarm clock like setting alarms for different days or intervals, adjusting an increasing volume of the alarm clock is also desirable feature that one should look out for when buying a wake up light.

Smartphone Compatibility

Today’s technology also offer features such sunrise lamps that can be connected through smart/cellphones apps which allow user to control sound/setting even from long distanced.

Alternative Options

If you’re looking for an alternative way to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and enhance your mornings, consider trying a light box for SAD. These specially designed lamps emit bright light that simulates natural sunlight, helping to regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your mood.