Last Updated on May 17, 2022 by Thalia
Seasonal affective disorder can affect anyone and at any time of year.
It’s not just reserved for those long, cold winter months but can also occur during summer and after a holiday.
Yes, the so-called “holiday blues” are recognised as a form of SAD.
So if you’ve just dropped your month’s salary to fly to the other side of the world for some winter sun but are still struggling with the blues, then try using a sunrise alarm clock. A more affordable way to help ease the symptoms of seasonal depression.
Here are the 4 best sunrise alarm clocks available on the market today.
Table of Contents
- What are the best sunrise alarm clocks?
- How does a sunrise alarm clock help ease seasonal depression?
- Final thoughts
What are the best sunrise alarm clocks?
When you hear the term “sunrise alarm clock” you probably instantly think of Lumie. The sunny brand known for inventing the world’s first wake-up light, which was originally called the “natural alarm clock.”
Since the sweet, innocent days of the early 90s, light therapy has become more popular and there is now a range of SAD lights and clocks available on the market.
But how do you know which sunrise alarm clocks are the best to choose from?
Here’s my lowdown…
- Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB
- Philips SmartSleep & Wake-Up Light
- COULAX Wake-Up Light Sunrise Alarm
- Hatch Restore
I’ve only chosen to include 4 sunrise alarm clocks from the brands that I believe are the best as I know how overwhelming it can be to choose. So hopefully by narrowing it down to just 4 options, you can make a swift and stress-free decision.
1 | Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750 DAB
The Most attractive sunrise alarm clock
The Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB is the perfect way to start your day.
This stylish wake-up light gradually increases in brightness, imitating the natural sunrise and helping you to feel energised for the day ahead. With a variety of settings and alarms to choose from, this Lumie Bodyclock can be customised to fit your needs. Plus, it features Bluetooth technology so you can listen to your favourite music or podcasts while you get ready for the day.
Highlights
- Sunrise duration lasts from 15-90 min
- Adjustable sunrise intensity includes warm-white, orange and red LEDs for a realistic sunrise effect
- 20+ sounds to wake up and fall asleep to
- Tap-control snooze button
- DAB digital radio so you can wake up to your favourite radio station
- Bluetooth and USB port for streaming your own music
- High quality speakers or connect your own headphones for private listening
- Relaxing sunset setting so you can wind down for bed in a stress-free environment
- Low blue light for bedtime so your circadian rhythm doesn’t get disrupted
- Certified medical device class 1 proven to treat SAD and the winter blues
→ Price: £199 or pay in instalments on Amazon
My thoughts
This is by far one of the best-looking sunset alarm clocks on the market so it will look good on any bedside table. Not only does it have a glass lamp cover but it also comes in 4 different colours. I’m literally lusting over the blossom version right now!
Purchase the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB on Amazon today
2 | Philips SmartSleep & Wake-Up Light
The Most innovative sunrise alarm clock
Unlike the other sunrise alarm clocks on this list, the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light features an innovative RelaxBreathe function to calm you into a peaceful sleep. The light-guiding breathing techniques are inspired by well-known breathing and relaxation exercises and include seven different rhythms to choose from to help regulate breathing.
Highlights
- Your personal sunrise begins with a soft morning red glow which gradually increases to orange, until your room is filled with bright yellow light
- Natural sounds or FM radio completes your wake up experience
- Includes a sunset stimulation feature and doubles up as a reading light
- Multiple brightness settings allows you to choose the right intensity for you
- Tap-control to snooze for an extra 9 minutes
- RelaxBreathe allows you to truly unwind from the day’s activities
- Provides a soft red light if turned on in the middle of the night so you can find your way to the bathroom in the dark
- Use a smart touch display to directly control your device, no need for an app
- Stylish and modern design reflects the shape of the sun
- Clinically proven to improve overall well-being
→ Price: £144.99 or pay over 5 monthly instalments on Amazon
My thoughts
If you struggle with building a bedtime routine, then this sunrise alarm clock will help you to cut down on screen time as you no longer have to rely on your phone to tell you the time or wake you up.
And if you’re a fan of meditation then the RelaxBreathe function is a massive bonus.
This wake-up clock is on the pricier side but Philips does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee and it is clinically proven to make it easier for you to get out of bed!
Purchase the Philips SmartSleep & Wake Up-Light on Amazon today
3 | COULAX Wake Up Light
The Most affordable sunrise alarm clock
Another trendy design, this sunrise alarm clock by COULAX features a beautiful wood grain finish so you can wake up and fall asleep in style. The wake-up light offers sunrise simulation to help you wake up gradually and nature sounds to help you start your day off right. Plus, it has a snooze function and atmosphere lamp mode to help you relax at night.
Highlights
- LED light gradually increases in brightness from warm red to bright white so you can wake up naturally
- Choose from 7 different wake-up sounds and 3 different sleep sounds
- Up to 20 brightness levels to choose from
- Choose from 7 different colours to create the perfect atmosphere
- Alarm and snooze functions of up to 9-mins
- Uses FM radio and can save 10 channels
- Doubles up as a reading light
- Use manually or customise to work automatically
- 12 hour or 24 hour clock display with adjustable brightness
- Control your sunrise alarm clock directly on the device, no app required
→ Price: £36.99 (Includes free delivery on Amazon)
My thoughts
Although the COULAX wake-up light is budget-friendly it still stands out as being one of the top player sunrise alarm clocks thanks to its numerous features and luxury benefits.
Obviously, because of the price, there are some drawbacks including the fact that it is not medically certified and the speakers aren’t of the greatest quality.
Purchase the COULAX Wake Up Light on Amazon today
4 | Hatch Restore
The Most personalised sunrise alarm clock
Meet Hatch Restore: the sound machine, smart light, and personal sleep routine all in one!
With Hatch Restore, you can customise your own personal sleep routine using sound and light therapy to help you relax and fall asleep faster. Plus, the smart light feature helps regulate your body’s natural clock so you’ll wake up feeling super refreshed and energised.
Highlights
- Control Hatch Restore directly from your fingertips using a mobile app (compatible with Android and iOS)
- Program your own sleep routine through smart technology
- Digital clock display that dims while you sleep
- Offers a range of light hues from red to orange and soft white
- Wind down with sleep stories or meditations
- Soft reading light that doesn’t strain the eyes
- Create the right mood at anytime of day with the device companion app
- Hatch also offer child-friendly versions for your little ones
- An unlimited library of sleep content with Hatch Sleep Membership
- Scientifically proven benefits are supported through IRB-reviewed clinical trials
→ Price: £230 (Includes free delivery on Amazon)
My thoughts
The Hatch Restore is again another great sunrise alarm clock, however, the app control might not be best if you regularly get distracted by your phone. If you want to start limiting the time you spend on your devices then I would recommend another option like the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe or the COULAX Wake-Up Light which don’t require an app.
It’s also important to mention that the Hatch Restore requires a monthly subscription if you want full access to their extensive library of music. Your personalised sunrise alarm clock will still work without this membership but you will only have partial access to a basic library of white noise and soothing sounds.
Purchase Hatch Restore on Amazon today
How does a sunrise alarm clock help ease seasonal depression?
A lack of sun exposure during winter has been linked to decreased levels of serotonin, which can lead to depression and anxiety. But now thanks to new technology, we can use light therapy to help boost concentration and lift our mood.
Sunrise alarm clocks use this light therapy technology by imitating natural light to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
Each morning when it’s time for you to wake up, your sunrise alarm clock gradually brightens the room so you can wake up naturally. You are gently roused from sleep instead of being abruptly woken up by your phone’s alarm clock so you can start the day feeling positive and refreshed.
Think of it as “your own personal sunrise.” (Lumie)
Your clock will also have a sunset setting to create a relaxing and calm environment at bedtime to help you fall asleep with ease.
Final thoughts
Sunrise alarm clocks have been shown to be effective through the use of clinical trials. They help to improve the quality of sleep as well as boost mood, energy and overall well-being.
So whether you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, the “holiday blues” or the “winter blues”, it might be time to invest in a sunrise alarm clock to help ease your symptoms.
So to help you find the right sunrise alarm clock for your needs, here’s a quick recap of the best ones to choose from:
- Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB wins for being the most attractive sunrise alarm clock
- Philips SmartSleep & Wake-Up Light wins for being the most innovative sunrise alarm clock
- COULAX Wake-Up Light Sunrise Alarm wins for being the best sunrise alarm clock on a budget
- Hatch Restore wins for being the sunrise alarm clock with the best personalisation options
I can’t wait to hear which one you go for and how it benefits and supports you.
Until next week,
♡ Thalia xx
Disclaimer: Please note, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links then I will be rewarded at no extra cost to you. Any money earned through affiliates will be put towards running my blog and newsletter.
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