6 of the best wake-up light alarm clocks
As we prepare for the clocks to go back and our mornings to be plunged into darkness, we look at the best sunrise wake-up alarms to battle the seasonal blues.
Image: Casper Glow
Depending on the time you set your wake-up call for, you may be deep in dark mornings already when your alarm goes off. If not, then with the clocks going back in the UK on the 27th October, dark mornings are unfortunately just around the corner.
While nobody will claim to be a fan of waking up before the sun does, did you know this could be something that is actually affecting your mood? SAD (or seasonal affective disorder) is a real problem for many people during the winter months, where the darkness and bad weather can actually cause a form of depression.
Alarm clocks that wake you up naturally with a slowly brightening light have been scientifically shown in studies to abate the effects of SAD, with the added bonus of making it easier for you to get up on dark mornings.
Here’s our choice of the best sunrise alarms on offer to suit a range of styles and budgets.
Best.. all rounder
Image: Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150
Lumie is widely credited for inventing the wake up light alarm clock, and the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 is their mid-range option that has all the features you need.
- 20, 30 and 45 minute sunrise setting
- Audio alarm extra for heavy sleepers
- Sunset option to help you fall asleep, with soothing sounds and nightlight option
- Tap control snooze
Best.. for insomniacs
Image: Philips Somneo Sleep and Wake-up Light with Relax Breath
Philips Somneo clock sets itself apart from the crowd with its Relaxed Breath feature, designed to help you drop off to sleep by creating a breathing routine for you to follow either with slowly pulsing light or peaceful audio sounds.
- Smart touch interface for easy control
- Sunrise and sunset settings
- Relax Breath function
- Built-in radio
Best.. designed
Image: Lexon Miami Sunrise alarm clock
If you don’t want to compromise on your room’s design to include a light therapy alarm clock in your scheme, the Lexon Miami Sunrise alarm clock stands out thanks to its stylish design and finishes created by Andrea Quaglio & Manuela Simonelli.
- Natural sunrise feature
- 6 programmeable radio stations
- 7 natural sound options
Best.. budget buy
Image: Tubeshine wake up alarm clock
With a funky, retro-inspired design, sunrise and sunset features, and options to set different alarms for weekend and weekdays, you might be surprised to see that this Tubeshine wake up alarm clock has a price tag under £30.
- Sunrise and sunset feature
- Wireless with USB charger
- Dual alarm clock feature
- Night light and reading function
Best.. for an easy interface
Image: Casper Glow
If fiddling with an alarm clock late at night/first thing in the morning isn’t your idea of fun, the Glow by Casper is one of the easiest wake up alarms to operate. You can sync the Glow up to the Casper app to set your alarm quickly and easily. Then, to use the Glow as a reading light or night light, simply twist or shake it to turn on. The Glow can even be moved around the home and has a wireless charger, so can double up for some ambient lighting in the living room if needed.
- Wireless with charger pad
- Ambient reading light and night light features
- Set alarms remotely via Casper app
- Sunrise and sunset features
Best.. clock alternative
Image: Nanoleaf
For something a little bit different, Nanoleaf’s light panels can be remote or voice controlled and feature a sunrise function, so you can create a striking light feature in your bedroom that doubles up as your alarm clock.
- Modular light panel system
- 30 lights from one remote module
- Voice control options
- Sunrise feature
Are you tempted to buy a wake up light alarm? Tweet us @goodhomesmag, or post a comment on our Facebook page!