Does the Philips Wake-Up Light really work?

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When we came across the Philips Wake-Up Light alarm clock, which gives off a bright LED glow to gently wake you from your sleep, we were curious. The alarm clock uses the dawn-simulation technique to gradually light up your bedroom—like the rising sun—starting 30 minutes before a sound alarm eventually wakes you up. This gentle exposure to light is scientifically proven to help jumpstart your body’s cortisol awakening response while you’re still asleep. The Wake-Up Light eliminates sleep inertia so you wake up more alert. The gadget, which should be kept 30-40 cm from your face for optimal effect, has 10 brightness setting options and doubles as a bedside lamp. So, does it work? In recent studies, 92% of participants said the alarm clock reduced the time it took to get out of bed while 66% said they functioned better in the morning. In our (not very scientific) tests, using the clock made waking up less of a drag. Of course, if you have underlying sleep issues like insomnia or sleep apnea, this clock can’t work miracles. But for almost everyone else it’s like you’re rolling out of bed at noon instead of 6 a.m.—an amazing feeling.

Philips “Wake-Up Light” alarm clock: $70

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