As fall days get shorter, it gets harder to get up in the morning and leave behind the cozy cocoon of your bed, doesn't it? The lack of sunlight can cause us to wake up feeling groggy and trudge through the day.
Luckily, there is a better way to start each day. Using sunrise alarm clocks such as the Hatch Restore 3, from Amazon, which mimic real sunlight when it's gray outside, boosts your energy from the moment you open your eyes.
The best part? It can even help you to sleep better. Here's why the experts love them, and encourage you to grab one now while they're under $140.
Why experts love the Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock
The Hatch alarm clocks are designed to gradually dim as you go to sleep, and brighten as you wake up, mimicking the sun's natural cycles to help restore circadian rhythms for sounder sleep and better mornings. Complete with sound machine and meditation tracks, it is the ideal nightstand companion for the dreary winter months.
The best SAD lamps can have an instant effect on symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). And it isn't just a placebo. They really can help you to become a morning person.
Dr. Thompson Maesaka, owner and clinician at The Neural Connection, a neurologic rehabilitation clinic in MN, explains, 'These lamps simulate the gradual increase in sunlight in the morning, which helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock.
'The natural rise in light encourages wakefulness by triggering the brain to realize it's time to wake up. By mimicking the sunrise, a wake-up lamp gently nudges your body into a state of wakefulness, reducing grogginess that is commonly felt by individuals upon waking.'
Dr Thompson often recommends the Hatch Sunlight systems to clients, saying, 'We suggest trying the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light [also from Amazon] or Hatch Restore. They will combine both light and sound options that gradually increase to simulate natural sunlight.'
The advantages don't just stop at the light. There are several benefits to waking up to natural sounds, too.
The Hatch Restore 3 can also play soundscapes (as well as meditations and sleep stories) to help you wake up more naturally – like camping but with the home comforts of your best bed sheets and smart thermostat to set the best temperature for sleep.
The thousands of five-star Amazon reviews speak for themselves.
Verified Amazon shopper Nikita shared, 'Let me tell you, it’s worth every single penny. This isn’t just an alarm clock – it’s like a sleep coach, a sound machine, and a sunrise simulator all rolled into one sleek, stylish package. I’m obsessed, and I’m giving it a well-deserved 5 stars!'
They loved that it helped them to unplug at night and wind down for better sleep, adding, 'I used to wake up to my phone’s blaring alarm and feel groggy for hours, but now I wake up to a gentle, warm light that gradually brightens my room.
'I set it to start 30 minutes before my alarm, and by the time the birds chirping sound kicks in, I’m already half-awake and feeling refreshed. It’s an investment in your sleep and sanity.'
What to shop
The Hatch alarm clocks are designed to gradually dim as you go to sleep, and brighten as you wake up, mimicking the sun's natural cycles to help restore circadian rhythms for sounder sleep and better mornings.
This expert recommended sunrise alarm clock simulates sunsets and sunrises with 20 brightness settings, and choice of five natural wake-up sounds.
This essential oil sleep spray with lavender and Roman chamomile oils and is free of synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, petroleum, gluten, propylene glycol, phthalates, dyes, DEA, and mineral oil to help you sleep better.
Complete with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, this 100% OEKO-TEX certified cotton flannel bedding set is the ideal choice for cozying up your bedroom in the fall. It also comes in five color options and four size options to suit any space.
Clean your bedroom regularly to clear away allergens and irritants for sounder sleep. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified this Attitude cleaner as non-toxic, meaning it contains no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds.
Dust is a common cause of disturbed sleep, exacerbating allergies and irritating your respiratory system just a you should be settling for the night. The Scrub Daddy Damp Duster removes dust without spreading or disturbing it for a thorough clean.
FAQs
Do sunrise alarm clocks help heavy sleepers?
The gradual brightening light of sunrise alarm clocks can help heavy sleepers wake up more gradually, reducing feelings of grogginess. Most sunrise alarm clocks will also have a sound feature to help wake you up if you are concerned about sleeping through the light settings.
Meet the expert
Setting up a quality morning opening shift routine can also help to manage clutter and reduce stress first thing, contributing to a more organized home.
