Has anyone had any experience with the so-called 'simulated dawn' alarm clocks such as the Bio-Brite, Wake-Up Light or Soleil? It is possible that I may start using one in the winter when I cannot leave the shutters on our windows open because of the cold, but are they worth the expense?
|
9
1
|
|
||||||
|
|
5
|
I've used a borrowed BioBrite SunRise in the past. It's pretty nice and works as advertised. The light is bright but not even close to the intensity of real sunlight through a window so results will vary depending on your particular sensitivity to light. Also, as far as I understand it, the perception of light intensity falls off greatly with each increment of distance so you'll get best results if you can put this lamp on a nightstand next to the bed versus across the room on a dresser. When I used the lamp, it was about 2 feet away from my head. It's pretty big for an alarm clock so not necessarily easy to fit on a nightstand. I haven't purchased one of my own mainly because I allow myself to wake up naturally now and have a cheapo alarm clock that's sufficient for the rare occasion where I need to be up by a certain time. If I ever find myself in a position in life where I have to wake up at a regular time, I'd certainly consider one of these lamps. It's a rather expensive alarm clock and individual results seem to vary greatly so I'm hesitant to recommend it too strongly. If you find that sunlight through a window is effective for waking you up, it might be worth a shot, particularly if you can get it through a retailer with a good return policy! |
||
|
|
|
4
|
I have a BioBrite one and it works. I wake up to it every morning and it helps me to snap out of the deep sleep Im usually in if the room is dark. The craftsmanship isnt the best but it hasnt broken on me. I also sometimes use the Sounds of Nature Lite app (free) on my iphone (plugged into my computer speakers). Since the lamp takes 30 min to gradually lighten the room Ill set the alarm to go off 5 minutes after the Nature Alarm. That way I wake up to the sounds of birds and the outdoors and a bright room. Pretty primal awakening :-) |
||
|
|
|
3
|
Apparently, there are some product quality issues with the Philips Wake-up Light. I would suggest doing thorough research before buying. |
|||
|
|
3
|
I have used one for a couple of years now and would not want to wake up pre-dawn without one. The Verilux Rise and Shine was by far the best, but the bulb burnt out, is difficult to locate, and rather expensive. Right now, I'm using one called "Wake Up Naturally." It is less than stellar as the light is not bright enough, but it was cheaper than the specialty light bulb. As soon as I can overcome my sticker shock, I'll be purchasing the bulb and returning to the Verilux. |
||
|
|
|
3
|
I have got the Philips mentioned, and it works fine. So far at least... And I must say, that during the winter, it was nice to wake up with this alarm clock. Although, with two kids (age 2y4m and 8m), you sometimes don't need an alarm. It was rather expensive, but worthwile. I hope not to get any problems, like the ones mentioned on amazon. |
||
|
|
|
2
|
You can always roll your own. |
|||
|
|
2
|
I gave a BioBrite as a birthday present to my boyfriend who really struggles to get up in the morning. It often wakes me up 5 or 10 minutes into the artifial dawn even though it's over on his side of the bed. It's a nice feeling when that happens because it wakes me naturally durig a light sleep phase before my own alarm goes off. On the other hand my boyfriend sleeps through the whole dawn phase and can easily go through 10 minutes of the audible alarm before he finally stirs. The verdict is: It works really well for some people but maybe not for those who really need help with waking up :) |
||
|
|
|
2
|
For those with an iPhone, I bought the app 'Wake-Up Pro' which gets brighter and brighter for 30 minutes before it wakes you up with your choice of noise (I have farm birds). I usually wake up a few minutes before the birds. It works great for me and was only $3 or something. If you get it, make sure you read about how to turn the brightness down for the rest of the night. |
||||||
|
|
1
|
While this solution is not a gradual wake-up it works very well, just a 150 watt torchier floor lamp shining to the ceiling with a timer. |
||
|
|
|
1
|
I use a moonbeam alarm clock and have for several years. It is a verycool retro looking alarm clock and was originally created for the blind. Actually after converting to it I have not required an alarm clock in quite a long time, my husband however does and now he uses it. He has to get up before I do and even though it does wake me it isn't that awful feeling a normal alarm causes. I would highly suggest it. |
||
|
|
|
0
|
I recently bought a Lumie Starter clock (UK brand?) for £58 (free next-day delivery) from bodykind.com. I have to say it's great, a much less shocking way to wake up. Although it doesn't allieviate any grumpiness from having to get up at 630am! Also the Lumie customer service (again, UK-specific) was fantastic, our initial bulb didn't work out of the box and they sent another no questions asked, next-day delivery. |
||
|
|
|
0
|
I use an Apollo Health DayBreak Duo Dawn/Dusk Simulator I got off of ebay. It works great. You can use your own lamp/s and bulbs. This allows better control of brightness and color and allows you to upgrade when possible. |
||
|
|
|
0
|
I have one of the ugly plastic Philips ones. I'd say it was expensive for the quality of it and it has some issues - it occasionally goes off on a frolic of it's own and turns itself on in the middle of the night. (Amazon reviews seem to show that this is a common problem. It seems to straighten itself out if you switch it off at the wall for a day or so.) It also has very short looped sound effects which you cannot turn off - you can turn them "down" but not off. I can still hear them and they seriously mess with my calm :/ Having said all that, when it works; it works. Before I was Paleo I used to wake up feeling gut wrenchingly sick in the mornings when woken by an alarm. I am not and never will be a morning person. This clever gadget makes winter mornings bearable for me and I wouldn't be without some form of one ever again. My thoughts? If you can find one that is a decent balance between cost/ugly & you have serious morning issues - go for it. |
||
|
|
