Rising trend: light alarm clocks transforming wake-up routine for a gentler morning

The sound of an alarm clock can ruin the morning for many people. If we don't use a traditional, ticking alarm clock, but instead, for example, a phone alarm, it can cause irritation right from the break of day.

Yet, an alarm clock doesn't have to imply a disagreeable, harsh sound that abruptly disrupts our sleep, leaving us irritated and, despite a night's sleep, still tired. It happens that light alarm clocks, which work based on a completely distinct mechanism, are gaining popularity as a bedroom gadget.

What's their mechanism? A light alarm clock bears similarity to a sunrise simulator - at a pre-set time, it begins to emanate an increasingly intense light. By gradually illuminating the bedroom in this manner, it enables the individual to wake up naturally. Only after some time does a programmed melody, usually a gentle one, plays. Therefore, it's considerably more soothing than a traditional alarm clock, making mornings considerably more enjoyable.

One may wonder, is a light alarm clock efficient? Such a question is particularly relevant for people who are heavy sleepers. Fortunately, we don't need to worry about oversleeping. A person naturally feels more tired when the room gets darker. This coincides with an increase in the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. However, as it starts to get light, the level of melatonin decreases, and we enter the awake mode.

Light alarm clocks often also offer a "sunset" function. Their light slowly and progressively fades, helping to aid relaxation and calmness. Soothing music can also be played.