The sunrise simulator, between rest and good mood
This publication is also available in: 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español 
English (US)
Back to school means returning to a routine without lazy mornings. And we must admit, it can sometimes be challenging to get back into the swing of things, and the duvet often struggles to let us escape for our 9 to 5… At least, that was before discovering the benefits of a sunrise simulator alarm clock! Because yes, in addition to giving us a little push to get out of bed, it helps us rise on the right side. Between rest and good mood, here’s my return after a month of use of this promising object for restorative sleep!
The sunrise simulator alarm clock: the perfect solution for feeling rested and starting the day right?
After several years spent experimenting to improve my sleep quality, it seems I have finally found my perfect ally: the sunrise simulator alarm clock!
Indeed, after having entrusted my phone with the task of waking me up for years, I decided about 2-3 years ago to turn to a physical alarm clock (an object I hadn’t used for over 10 years). This was for three reasons:
- No longer having my phone on next to me all night (not great for health).
- Being able to turn off my phone in the evening to really disconnect from the digital/blue light – and not find myself mindlessly scrolling and taking quizzes to determine which TV character I would be at 1 AM.
- Stop overusing the snooze function on my phone.
However, although the KUPONG alarm clock from IKEA seemed like a good solution, partly because it didn’t have a snooze function, there may have been a time when I surrounded myself with two KUPONGs, with two different alarms so I could turn off the first one and sleep a bit longer until the second one went off… Well, not such a perfect solution.
This is how I realized that an improvement phase was needed on this waking phase, to avoid other tricks to stay under the duvet longer.
Inviting gentleness at wake-up time
Upon reflection, one of the reasons waking up is so complicated can be explained by the brutality of traditional alarms. Thus, after several months of hesitation, I thought: why not try a sunrise simulator alarm clock to start my days more gently?
For those unfamiliar with this object, it is a light alarm that will gradually increase in brightness to mimic the sunrise, then start ringing. This entire phase of simulating the sun helps to act on our internal system (regulating hormones and circadian rhythm) to prepare for a more gradual and natural awakening. They also offer calmer melodies and nature sounds to accompany your gentle wake-up.
Result: after a month of using the sunrise simulator alarm clock, I am already observing the benefits!
Initially, I notice a clear difference in my morning energy. The fact of having this warm and gradual lighting allows me to feel more awake upon rising and ready to start the day (unlike the feeling of foggy-headedness with traditional alarms). Moreover, the lighting combined with the melodies and available sounds invites a sense of calm and good mood (rather than a desire to smash our bedside table).
Thus, the miracle occurred: I finally found the solution to wake up without complaint! And the benefits of this alarm clock don’t stop there.
When your alarm clock looks after your well-being
A sunrise simulator alarm clock will watch over your well-being throughout the day. Indeed, it can also be used as a mood lamp for light therapy. Placed in a room, these warm hues will positively affect your mood by compensating for the lack of natural light and sunshine, especially felt in autumn/winter. In addition to creating a cozy cocoon, these lamps can truly help to reduce certain seasonal disorders, such as winter depression. We particularly mentioned last week the appeal of orange-hued lamps.
Also, the way you access sleep impacts its quality. Here too, the sunrise simulator alarm clock will be your new ally by mimicking the sunset to more naturally accompany your descent into the arms of Morpheus. The gradual decrease in lighting intensity (complemented if desired by a melody) will have a relaxing and meditative effect, one you won’t want to live without.
In conclusion: the sunrise simulator alarm clock is a true revelation for me and has now become one of my essentials!
For reference, I chose an entry-level model: ARTINABS, -40€, sold for -30€.
Photos: Pinterest
