Best Wake-Up Lights to Start Your Day Right

Nobody likes waking up in the morning. That is why we strive to find ways to make the transition from sleeping mode to being fully awake as pleasant as possible. One effective solution for waking up peacefully is using the best wake-up light. Instead of relying on harsh alarm tones or hitting the snooze button multiple times, these lights offer a gentle and soothing wake-up experience. If you’ve struggled to find effective morning rituals or methods to make waking up easier, a wake-up light might just be the answer.

Best wake-up lights

I searched a little bit before I found the best wake-up light for me. Most of them have the same features, but maybe you are very specific. Chances are that you will find what you are looking for because there are hundreds of models from various manufacturers. I recommend that you first read a wake-up light review, or multiple, before making a purchase. It’s the only way you can know that a particular product suits your requirements.

Philips Wake-Up Light with Sunrise Simulation

I started with the wake-up light from Philips because this is the model I have at home. I said it once, and I will say it again, it’s the best thing that happened to me in the recent past. The people from Philips did a fantastic job with this product, and I hope that you will like it at least as much as I do.

You will wake up almost naturally every morning, and your functionality will be significantly improved. It will simulate a sunrise, so you will have that transition between sleep and awake. That means you won’t feel as angry when the alarm clock goes off. This wake-up light was developed using research on sleep and waking patterns. I always endorse a product that has a scientific base. Otherwise, it would be just a mere gimmick. This is not the case.

Although I told you about my experience, you should know that the Philips Wake-Up Light with sunrise simulation is clinically proven to improve your morning routine. I assume that thousands of people went through what I went, and came out of the experience in a better mood.

This wake-up light comes with a snooze button, but I don’t even remember when the last time I used it was. It also has a beep function that will not let you oversleep, just in case you are exhausted and light means nothing to you. Although I firmly believe that this product is ideal for you, some newer models have some extra features. I am not going to give up on mine because it was quite expensive for a light, but if you can afford it, you could choose a better version. 

Check the product at https://amzn.to/3Jukmyi

SumgottUS Wake-Up Light

This model is a bit more advanced, but the irony is that it’s cheaper than the previous product. Technology becomes cheaper and cheaper as time passes I guess. This one has a sunrise simulation but also features a sunset simulation. So, not only that you will transition smoothly from sleep mode to awake mode, but it will help you fall asleep if you have an issue with that. I think it’s brilliant. The brightness will start from 1% and will reach 100% when you set it.

You can control the wake-up light using a touchscreen. You can adjust the snooze button, start the sunset simulation, set natural sounds, control the FM radio (yes, it has a radio), and you can also adjust the brightness. One of the things that I like the most about this light is that it has a mood light mode with the help of which you can choose from 7 different colors, depending on your mood. You can even use it as a bedside lamp if you want.

The natural sounds are an improvement from your usual alarm tones. It is better to wake up to birds singing and flowing rivers than to one of Adele’s songs. I have nothing against her, she is a great singer, but when you are groggy in the morning, everything sounds horrifying. The light can be powered by both AAA batteries (not included) and a USB cable.

Vansky Wake-Up Light

This is one of the latest wake-up lights, and it brings a series of cool features. It has simulations for both sunrise and sunset, and the sound quality is like nothing you would expect from a simple light. Setting it up is easy. All you have to do is set the time you want to wake up, and the wake-up light will do the rest. It will start increasing its brightness 30 minutes before waking time. It goes from 1% to 100% in half an hour. You will wake up easily, and enjoy the transition, so your mood will be improved. The alarm will sound for 2 minutes, but you have a snooze button just in case you want to sleep a little while longer.

You can choose among 6 natural sounds or the FM radio. The natural sounds include pure music, birds, waves, forest, and many others. There are also 7 available light colors, just in case you want the wake-up light to go into mood mode. It can act as an atmosphere lamp when you want it. Or you can use it as a warm light when you want to read so your eyes wouldn’t get tired.

The Vansky wake-up light can be powered by a USB cable, but it can also function using AAA batteries (not included in the package.)

Check the product at https://amzn.to/3YGS4F4

My recommendation for the best sunrise alarm clock

If I didn’t have the Philips Wake-Up Light and I had to choose again, I would choose it again. It is a great generation of wake-up lights from Philips, so it makes sense to have cooler features. That is why I believe it to be one of the best wake-up lights available.

What Is a Wake-Up Light?

A traditional alarm clock uses sound to wake you from sleep, but in recent years, an increasingly popular alternative has emerged: the wake-up light. So, what exactly is a wake-up light? Well, it’s a specialized device designed to revolutionize the way we wake up each morning.

Unlike conventional alarms that abruptly interrupt our slumber with loud beeps, a wake-up light takes a gentler approach. It replicates the gradual illumination of a rising sun, simulating a natural sunrise experience right in your bedroom. With its soft and gradually intensifying light, it aims to provide a more serene and harmonious transition from the depths of sleep to the brightness of a new day.

The main purpose of a wake-up light is to recreate the beautiful process of dawn, letting the light seep into your room and gently coax you awake. By emulating the natural awakening of sunlight, these lights can have a profound impact on your body’s internal clock, helping to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and promote a more balanced and refreshed start to your day.

So, if you’re tired of abrupt wake-up calls and yearn for a more peaceful and natural awakening, a wake-up light might just be the answer you’ve been seeking. With its captivating sunrise simulation, it promises to transform your mornings into serene and revitalizing experiences.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Wake-Up Light

When it comes to selecting the perfect wake-up light to enhance your morning routine, there are several important features to consider. By understanding these features, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Sunrise Simulation Duration and Intensity

Different wake-up lights offer varying durations and intensities of sunrise simulation. Consider how long you prefer the light to gradually brighten and the level of intensity that suits your wake-up preferences. Some models may have adjustable settings to customize the duration and intensity according to your liking.

Alarm Options and Sound

While wake-up lights primarily rely on light to awaken you, many models also incorporate additional alarm options. These can include gentle sounds like birdsong, soothing melodies, or even the option to tune in to your favorite FM radio station. Assess the alarm options available and choose the ones that resonate with your personal taste.

Sunset Simulation and Wind-Down Features

Some wake-up lights include sunset simulation functionality to help you wind down before sleep. This feature gradually dims the light, creating a calming atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep preparation. Consider whether you would benefit from this feature as part of your evening routine.

Power Source and Battery Backup

Wake-up lights are typically powered through AC adapters or USB cables. It’s important to check the power source compatibility and whether the light comes with a battery backup option. A backup battery ensures that the light still functions even in the event of a power outage, providing you with added peace of mind.

Smart Home Integration

In the era of smart technology, some wake-up lights offer integration with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This allows you to control and program the light using voice commands or dedicated smartphone apps. If you prefer a seamless smart home experience, consider opting for a wake-up light with smart home integration capabilities.

Design and Style

Wake-up lights come in a variety of designs, shapes, and colors. Consider the aesthetics of the light and whether it complements your bedroom decor. Additionally, some lights may offer customizable lighting options or multicolored displays, allowing you to personalize the ambiance according to your preferences.

Display and Additional Features

Take note of the display features offered by the wake-up light. Some lights include a digital clock, touchscreen controls, night mode, or the ability to turn off the display completely to prevent sleep disruption. Additionally, certain models may incorporate additional features such as sleep stories, guided meditations, dedicated reading lights, or night light modes.

The benefits of a wake-up light

It is not news that daylight keeps us awake during the day. There have been countless studies, and they all show the same thing. We need light to be alert. It makes sense if you think about it. I don’t know about you, but I get very energetic on sunny days, and very sleepy when it rains. I know for a fact that this experience is quite common. So, in light of that information (pun intended,) here are the benefits of a wake-up light.

A wake-up light supports the cortisol levels

Cortisol is a substance that wakes us up. It’s some kind of coffee, the only difference is that it’s ‘ordered’ by the brain. The levels of cortisol are in direct connection with every person’s circadian rhythm. If you are feeling tired in the morning is because you lack the normal quantities of cortisol. It’s sometimes referred to as adrenal fatigue, and it’s the body’s way to tell you that it doesn’t want to be alert due to things like stress and depression. Well, here is where a wake-up light intervenes. It will expose you to daylight when it’s not around (because it rains or because is too early,) which will help your cortisol levels reach normal levels. You will feel fresher in the morning.

Sunrise alarms will balance your melatonin levels

Melatonin is also controlled by light, but unlike cortisol, it is in smaller amounts in the morning, and it peaks during the night. If you want to keep melatonin balanced, a wake-up light is ideal for the job. Supplements that contain melatonin can mess up your hormone levels, so it’s best if you do it as naturally as possible.

You will get out of bed quicker

We are all aware of the useful snooze button. It’s one of our best friends sometimes. Some wake-up lights come with a snooze button as well, but you won’t feel the need to use it. It will help you get out of bed easier. But it’s not as unpleasant as with an alarm clock.

You will feel more energetic when you wake up – this is strictly related to your cortisol and melatonin levels, so I am not going to repeat myself.

My personal experience with a wake-up light

As I said at the beginning of this article, I started using a wake-up light a few months back, and it worked like a charm for me. I am no longer groggy in the morning. It modified my circadian rhythm to a point where I can actually feel okay in the morning. I was the kind of person with whom you couldn’t talk before a cup of coffee, but now I am more relaxed. That is why I decided to share my experience. Maybe you want to improve your morning mood as well, but you don’t know how. Well, this is a great starting point.

The first thing I noticed is that I no longer go through the trauma which is the alarm clock. No matter how soothing the alarm tone was, I still jumped as if SWAT knocked down on my door. That is because the sound was too all of a sudden, and I had no transition time as I have with the wake-up light.

I use both the alarm clock and the wake-up light, but the light provides a transition time. For example, I set the alarm clock for 7 o’clock, but the wake-up light starts its sunrise simulation around 6:30. It doesn’t wake me up completely, but there is a transition between sound asleep and wide awake, which works better for me.

Another thing I noticed is that I feel better in the morning. I feel well-rested, energetic, and most importantly for the people around me, I don’t have a bad mood. You can actually talk to me. I feel more positive and sometimes excited about a new day. Especially if it’s sunny outside as well. Getting out of bed is not a struggle anymore. I don’t remember when the last time I used the snooze button was, and I am never late to work anymore. I can honestly say that the wake-up light is the best thing that happened to me in a long time.

So there you have it. That is my experience with a wake-up light. I was pleasantly surprised, which is why I recommend it to everyone who has the same issue I had. I hope that it helps you overcome your problem with waking up in the morning, just like it helped me.

Conclusion

I am very happy that such an alternative was invented. It took a while for me to find out about it, but better late than never. It actually helped me, and I can guarantee that if you choose one of the options above, your mornings will suffer a significant change.

Last Updated on June 27, 2023