If you don't Feel relaxed when the alarm clock rings, the problem may be with the alarm clock. Waking up to a sudden loud alarm isn't exactly a fun way to start your day, and the unpleasant jolting sensation may not do much to tell your body it's time to wake up. I'm a girl who constantly hits the snooze button, and I find the sunrise alarm clock useful because the increasing light helps my body know it's time to wake up—and that bright light is hard to get rid of. much more past.
After weeks of sleeping with a sunrise alarm clock at my bedside, I've noticed a significant improvement in my morning alertness. I'm still not a morning person, but I found myself actually staying up after my alarm in the soft glow of these dawn lights instead of just going back to bed for another hour. Also, as someone who has trouble sleeping at night, an alarm with a sunset routine option has become an aid in helping me go to sleep and wake up.
While you're here, don't miss our other sleep guides, including The very best alarm clock, Best worksheet, Best Pillows, Best weighted blanket, Best sound machineAnd Best Mattress.
Updated January 2025: We've added Casper Glow Light as a new option. We also added that Hatch has replaced Hatch Restore 2 with the new Hatch Restore 3, which we plan to test soon.
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Your body is built to Wake up naturally with the sunrise and feel sleepy when the sun goes down. The light at the beginning and end of the day both has a warm yellow tone, different from the bright, bluish midday sunlight that keeps you awake. Sunrise alarm clocks mimic the transition from morning to daylight, helping signal your body to wake up (or fall asleep, if the watch also has a sunset option).
Each alarm below offers a sunrise routine, meaning you choose a time to wake up and then the alarm clock will start showing a dark orange light and switch to a bright light at alarm time. Your formula is set. Some offer customization, allowing you to choose the time you want that artificial sunrise, while others have timers. Some also allow the option of reversing with the sunset routine and possibly doubling it sound machine. Most of these plug into the wall like a classic one alarm clock and stays put, although sometimes there's a companion app or rechargeability (though, if it's not mentioned, assume it's not).