Do you enjoy being scared awake every morning? Can it possibly be good for anyone to wake up suddenly with their heart pounding?
I have always detested the obnoxious noises that come out of conventional alarm clocks. It seems likely those aural assaults might be a part of why so many people get up cranky every morning.
I know what I need
I noticed over the years that on days I tried to sleep in, I awoke easily as the sun came up.
This was so consistent that I used to wish someone would design something that would make my bedroom window get brighter and brighter they way it does when the sun’s coming up. If I could make the window brighten at the right time, I would be able to wake up, feel good, and not need that unfriendly box on the nightstand.
Finally!
Then one day I saw it! The Sunrise Alarm Clock. Someone had done it!
The price was a little steep, which made me hesitate. Today a Sunrise Alarm Clock runs about $90. I bought mine several years ago and the retail price then was $70. It occurred to me to look on E-bay and sure enough, I found one. I still ended up paying about $60, but I’ve been using that same Sunrise Alarm Clock ever since and I haven’t for a second regretted buying it.
Lots of features
There are several features about the Sunrise Alarm Clock that I really like. And the new models have even more features than the older ones!
Alarm Clock Mode
This is the sunrise function. You set the time that you want to wake up. The Sunrise Alarm Clock has a 5-6 inch white globe containing a light bulb on top of the clock. On my model this globe begins to glow faintly 30 minutes before the time you set to wake up. Over the next 30 minutes the glow becomes brighter and brighter. By the time for which you set the clock, the light is quite bright.
The theory is that the gradually-increasing light triggers you to wake up much the way wild animals wake as the sun comes up. And this is just how it works for me. The new models of Sunrise Alarm Clock allow you to set the brightening interval for anywhere between 15 and 120 minutes.
I’m sure there are people who are not light sensitive and this would not work for them. Not to mention that there are days when even light-sensitive people might be extra tired and they risk not waking up to the light. The Sunrise Alarm Clock will sound a series of beeps at the end of the brightening period as a back-up plan to get you up. This was a huge annoyance to me until I figured out that I had the option of turning off the beep function.
Sunset Mode
This is an option where you can set the Sunrise Alarm Clock to start out bright and then gradually dim. My model dims over the course of 30 minutes, at which point it turns off completely.
This is designed to be used at bedtime and is supposed to help you fall asleep, again much like wild animals are programmed to do. This is a feature I do find useful. The new models allow you to set this dimming interval to be between 15 and 120 minutes. I really like this option.
Lamp Mode
This feature allows you to use the Sunrise Alarm Clock as a bedside lamp. It’s fully adjustable to any light level from completely off to full brightness. It can be used either as a reading light or a night light. I use this function almost every day.
Clock Mode
My old model has an analogue time display. The new models not only have a digital time display, but it can be dimmed or used at full brightness. I do wish my old Sunrise Alarm Clock had this feature.
Flash and Beeper Modes
The new Sunrise Alarm Clocks offer the option to either flash or sound a beeper at the end of the alarm cycle. My old model does not.
I doubt that I would ever use the beeper option unless I had to get up extremely early to catch a plane or something. But I like the idea of the light flashing at the end of the brightening cycle. As a light-sensitive person, I’m sure that would get my attention.
Snooze Button
The new models feature a 10-minute snooze button with a one-minute sunrise, with optional flash or beep at the end of the cycle. I don’t know that I’d use this function, but I suspect other people would. My old sunrise alarm does not have this choice.
Radio
The new models have a fully functional AM/FM radio. Guess what…my old one does not.
Battery Backup
The new models come with a 9V battery backup. My old model is sounding worse and worse. It does not have a battery backup.
Security
The new Sunrise Alarm Clocks offer a security feature in which the lamp comes on at random intervals to deter intruders. My old model sits quietly by and watches intruders ransack your house.
Size
The newer models are slightly smaller than my old one, but both fit easily on most nightstands. The dimensions are about 6 x 5 x 5 inches.
I need a new one
I started out this article wanting to tell you about this terrific product I can’t live without. I’ve been happily using it for about eight years. But now that I’ve looked into how much better the new ones are, I’m feeling deprived. I think I need a new Sunrise Alarm Clock.
If you hate your alarm clock and you’re affected by light when you sleep, I highly recommend you get a Sunrise Alarm Clock.
If you’re bothered by the price, I know where you can get a used one cheap.
