When individuals are not feeling rested upon waking, the issue might be the alarm clock itself. A sudden loud alarm can be a disruptive way to start the day and might not effectively signal the body that it is time to wake up. For those who frequently hit the snooze button, a sunrise alarm clock could be beneficial, as the gradual increase in light helps signal the body that it is time to wake. This bright light is also more difficult to ignore.
After several weeks of using a sunrise alarm clock, improvements in morning alertness have been noted. While not converting them into a “hop-out-of-bed” morning person, the gentle glow of these sunrise lamps helps maintain wakefulness after the alarm, rather than succumbing to another hour of sleep. Additionally, for individuals who struggle to fall asleep at night, alarms with a sunset routine option help ease both the process of falling asleep and waking up.
For those interested in optimizing their sleep, other recommended guides include the Best Sheets, Best Pillows, Best Weighted Blankets, Best Sound Machines, and Best Mattresses.
Updated September 2024: This guide has been updated with new picks and recent testing.
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How Sunrise Alarms Work
The human body is naturally attuned to wake with the sunrise and feel sleepy as it sets. The light at these times of day is a warm, golden tone, in contrast to the bright, slightly blue light of midday that keeps individuals wide awake. A sunrise alarm clock mimics this transition from morning to bright daytime light, helping to signal to the body when it’s time to wake up or fall asleep if the clock includes a sunset option.
The listed alarms provide a sunrise routine, where users set a wake-up time, and the alarm clock gradually transitions from a deep, orange glow to a bright light by the set alarm time. Some models offer customization for the duration of the artificial sunrise, while others have fixed timers. Certain models also include a reverse sunset routine and can function as sound machines. Most of these devices plug into the wall like traditional alarm clocks and stay in place, although some may feature companion apps or rechargeable capabilities. If not specified, it is safe to assume that a device does not include these additional features.
