There are two types of people: those who naturally get up early and those who snooze their alarm a dozen times before deciding to wake up. If you fall in the latter category, then we have good news for you: Waking up just got that much easier.
Thanks to modern-day technology, there are now what many brands call sunrise alarm clocks and wake-up lights to help you naturally start your day. You or someone you love who could use the gift of an extra boost.
These unique alarm clocks not only allow you to personalize your sleep and wake-up routine to help you naturally rise, but they also help you fall asleep (and stay asleep) so that you wake up refreshed and ready to seize the day.
All of that helps support healthy cortisol levels. Many of them double as sound machines as well — creating the perfect atmosphere to wind down after a long day.
Click below to shop the best sunrise alarm clocks:
Do sunrise alarm clocks work?
Sunrise alarms, designed to simulate a natural sunrise to wake you gradually, can be effective for some individuals. By mimicking the natural light exposure that influences our internal clock, these alarms aim to create a gentler waking experience. However, individual responses vary, and factors like sleep patterns and consistency play a role in their effectiveness. While many users find them beneficial, results are subjective and it’s advisable to consider personal sleep habits and preferences when deciding if a sunrise alarm is right for you.
What is the most realistic wake-up light?
The color temperature of the light emitted by these alarm clocks is set to replicate the changing hues of the morning sun. A realistic sunrise alarm is one that integrates seamlessly into your daily routine, fostering consistency of use and reinforcing your body’s circadian rhythms. These features collectively contribute to a waking experience that feels natural and promotes a smoother start to the day.
Ahead, find a list of sunrise alarm clocks at a variety of price points for both adults and kids. Brands include Hatch, Philips and more.
Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks
Best Overall: Hatch Restore
Not only does the popular Hatch Restore alarm clock allow you to customize your night and morning routine, but you can also create a mood anytime with a library of soothing sounds, white noise and lighting at your fingertips. Also, relax with a soft-glow reading light without the eye-straining blue hues.
Best Philips: Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light
Simulate the sunset and sunrise, plus choose between five different, natural wake-up sounds with the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light.
Best Rated: Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
For a similar device for more than half the price, consider the Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock, which is an Amazon Choice product with more than 21,000 reviews.
Best Budget: Winshine Touch Wake Up Night Light with Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock
The Winshine Touch Wake Up Night Light allows users to rise naturally in 30 minutes, rather than a traditional alarm that wakes you up instantly. Similarly, when you’re ready to wind down for bedtime, set the light on a 10-, 30- or 60-minute timer that goes from bright light to dark light. This feature is especially great for children adjusting to darkness before bed.
Best Smart: Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light
The Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light is another great option that can be completely controlled on a paired app. It features a midnight lamp, FM radio, a phone charging dock, a speaker, auto-dimming display and smart snooze, plus AmbiTrack sensor, which measures your bedroom sleeping environment (temperature, noise, natural light, etc.).
Best Lamp: Loftie Clock and Lamp Bundle
Enjoy a high-quality white noise machine and nature soundscapes, plus a sunrise lamp duo from Loftie. A warm, colorful light gently traveling up the length of the lamp in a personal sunrise at your desired schedule to help personalize your morning and night routine. Evening features across both products include sleep time, blackout mode, bedtime signal, and wind down for your perfect sleeping environment.
Best for Kids: ICODE Time to Wake Alarm Clock for Kids
If you’re shopping for a little one, this wake-up alarm is a great pick. The ICODE alarm is a sleep trainer, alarm clock, sound machine, night light and sleep timer rolled into one package.
The device will display specific icons to help your child understand when it’s time to wake up or go to sleep. The sun means it’s time to get up or get out of bed, and at night the clock gently glows a moon, so they’ll know it’s time to sleep or stay in bed until the sun shows.
Best on Amazon: LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children’s Sleep Trainer
The LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children’s Trainer comes in four different colors and has more than 18,000 raving Amazon reviews. Mella uses colors and facial expressions to teach your child when it’s time for bed and time to wake up. A half-hour before it’s time to wake up, it will glow yellow, signaling that it’s almost time to start the day. When Mella turns green, it’s time to wake up!
It also features three sleep-sound options and five night-light colors to soothe your child to sleep, plus three gentle alarm settings. The perfect gift for your next baby shower!
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