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The clocks have gone back, and while an extra hour in bed sounds dreamy, over the next few months many of us will drag ourselves out from under the duvet while it’s still pitch black outside.
If winter mornings leave you groggy, grumpy, and hitting the snooze button more than once, you’re not alone. When it’s dark at 7am, it’s no surprise we feel like it’s still the middle of the night.
Which is exactly why a sunrise alarm clock can make a big difference.
Rather than jolting you awake with a shrill alarm, these clever devices gradually brighten your bedroom minutes before your alarm is due to go off.
The idea is they basically mimic a natural dawn. The light gently supposedly signals to your body that it’s time to wake up, so by the time your alarm sounds (often a soft birdsong or gentle chime rather than a siren), you’re already halfway there.
Many also work in reverse, with a fading sunset setting to help you wind down at night, which makes them just as useful at bedtime as they are first thing.
You’ll find a wide variety to choose from, too. Some are simple, purse-friendly options, while others are sleek all-in-one bedside gadgets that double up as sound machines, phone chargers and even air purifiers.
Whether you want something minimal for a small bedside table or a smart device you can control from an app, there’s a wake-up light to suit your sleep needs.
To help you find the right one, we’ve rounded up the best sunrise alarm clocks available now, from brands like Hatch, Lumie, Philips and more.
With prices starting from just £34.99, it could be one of the easiest ways to make the darker months feel a little brighter. Here are our top picks.
The best sunrise alarm clocks
Hatch Restore 3
If you want a single gadget to manage your whole nighttime routine, this is it. It’s a gentle sunrise alarm with a library of soothing sleep sounds to help you drift off and wake up. The dimmable clock keeps the room dark overnight, and the bedside light doubles as a reading lamp.
Buy Now for £149.99
Philips Wake Up Light
Philips knows lights, and this model is a reliable all-rounder. The light gradually brightens your room before your alarm blares, and you can personalise its brightness across 20 intensity settings. Once sunrise is complete, a soothing sound plays to help you wake up, and a simple tap on the lamp activates snooze when you need five more minutes. It’ll make those early mornings so much easier.
Buy Now for £129.99 (was £149.99)
Blueair Mini Restful Sunrise Clock & Air Purifier
This clever two-in-one reduces bedside clutter by combining a sunrise alarm with a HEPA air purifier that captures dust, pollen, and pet hair while you sleep. Better sleep and air quality – it’s a win-win. It runs very quietly, and you can adjust the sunrise to last 15 to 30 minutes; it’s totally up to you. Plus, it has a USB-C port for charging your phone.
Buy Now for £169
GROOV-E Curve Wake Up Light
You don’t need to spend a fortune for a nicer winter morning routine; this budget-friendly pick simulates both sunrise and sunset for less than £35. You can switch between seven colours to suit your mood, then wake to one of eight nature sounds, a traditional alarm beep or the radio. You can adjust the clock display and night light brightness, and it has battery backup in case the power cuts out.
Buy Now for £34.99
Beurer Wake Up and Charge Alarm Clock
If you’re one of those people who hates tangled cables taking up space, this Beurer clock has a built-in wireless charging pad, so it can lull you to sleep while your phone recharges. The sunrise and sunset simulations can ease you in and out of sleep, and you can wake to one of its six melodies. The adjustable LED mood light works great for bedtime reading, and of course there’s a much-needed snooze function for those harder mornings.
Buy Now for £69.99Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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