If you’re not a morning person, the noise from your alarm is probably your least favorite sound. But a light alarm clock could make your morning much more enjoyable by coaxing you to wakefulness rather than jolting you awake.
A light alarm clock is a great alternative to traditional alarms that are loud and disturb others in your home. Instead of an intense noise shocking you awake, you can wake up at a more gradual, comfortable pace as your light alarm slowly increases the lighting level in your room, just like natural sunlight.
If this sounds like a pleasant start to your morning, then a light alarm clock may be a great addition to your nightstand.
But what exactly are light alarm clocks, and what benefits do they bring? Read on to find out.
What Is a Light Alarm Clock & What Are the Benefits?
Light alarm clocks emit light that simulates dawn, which is the natural way our bodies wake up. Our internal clocks rely on light to tell us when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake. This process happens thanks to the hormone melatonin. Your brain makes melatonin when it’s dark, signaling it’s time to sleep. Meanwhile, light suppresses melatonin, which helps your body wake.
And waking to comforting light is far more pleasant than if you were suddenly awakened by a loud noise. Not only that, light also helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm helps your body set a more regular sleep/wake pattern, leaving you more rested and refreshed in the morning.
A light alarm clock can also help reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder. This disorder occurs during the winter months when days are short, and the lack of light can lead to depression. While we aren’t making any health claims here, it stands to reason that simulated sunlight is preferable to waking in darkness.
Also, light alarm clocks are kinder to others in your home. If you live with family or in a condo building, your loud alarm can wake up other people around you; luckily a light alarm clock prevents this problem.
Try These 3 Light Alarm Clocks for a More Pleasant Morning
These types of alarm clocks are becoming more popular, so there are plenty to choose from. Here are three of our favorite light alarm clocks on the market today.
1. Homelabs Sunrise Digital Led Alarm Clock Is Affordable & Funky
The Homelabs Sunrise Digital LED Alarm Clock is great value at less than $35.
This light alarm clock has a modern design and features eight different light colors. The light begins to gradually turn on over the course of 30 minutes to help ease you awake comfortably. The clock also has the option to wake up to soothing sounds like ocean waves and chirping birds.
Key specs and features:
- 3 brightness levels
- 5-minute snooze button
- Built-in FM radio
The Homelabs light alarm clock has the basic features you need without breaking the bank.
2. Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light Is Built on Years of Research
The Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light is a premium quality light alarm clock from Phillips, a company with many years of lighting experience. They also know a thing or two about sleep, as the company also produces some of the best sleep health devices on the market.
With these two areas of expertise, it should be no surprise that the company’s light alarm clock is highly rated by owners. The SmartSleep Wake-up Light uses a perfect combination of simulated sunlight and soothing sounds to comfortably wake you.
Key specs and features:
- Gradually increasing 30-minute wake-up light
- Allows for 2 separate alarm times
- 9-minute snooze
- 5 natural soothing sounds to wake up to
- Built-in FM radio
Philips has the benefit of years of lighting experience and sleep research, and this expertise is on full display with this effective light alarm clock. On the downside, this is one of the more expensive options you will find at nearly $100.
3. The Casper Glow Light Is Intuitive & Packed With Features
Casper is most known for its mattresses, but don’t overlook the Casper Glow Light as a great light alarm clock option. The device has a unique design compared to other sunrise alarm clocks, and it has a ton of features packed into its 4-inch by 5.25-inch size.
The light alarm clock doesn’t have a bunch of buttons to access its features either. Instead, it has sensors that allow for motion to trigger its functions.
For example, when you’re ready for bed, simply pick the light up and flip it over to trigger sunset mode. The light will then gradually dim as you drift off to sleep. It then waits for your wake time to begin its sunrise simulation.
The Glow Light also doubles as a convenient flashlight if you need to get up in the middle of the night as it runs on battery power. Simply pick the light up, give it a gentle shake, and it will illuminate to light your way to the bathroom or kitchen for a midnight snack.
Key specs and features:
- IP54 rating for dust resistance
- Bluetooth built-in
- Control with a smartphone app
- 2700k color temperature
The Casper Glow Light is one of the most intuitive light alarm clocks and offers features beyond what many basic light alarm clocks have, but you do have to pay more than the other options.
Light Alarm Clocks Make Mornings More Cheerful
Any of the light alarm clocks on our list should provide a more comfortable wake-up experience than a loud alarm. We’ve looked at three great options, and we’re confident that one of them will be a good fit for you.
