Tech · Wired
Sunrise Alarm Clocks: How They Work and Which Models Excel
A sunrise alarm clock simulates the gradual brightening of dawn to cue the body’s circadian rhythm, offering a gentler wake‑up than traditional beeping alarms. The Wired guide explains how the light ramps over 10 minutes to an hour, with optional sound effects that can be set to play as the light rises. It also highlights a sunset mode that slowly dims the lamp, helping users wind down and prepare for sleep, a feature found in models like Hatch and Lumie. Key features to consider include the brightness of the lamp, the variety of sound options, app connectivity, and whether the device doubles as a bedside lamp. The review recommends Lumie’s Bodyclock Luxe 700FM as the top choice for its powerful illumination, radio connectivity, and dual sunrise/sunset settings, though it lacks Wi‑Fi. Hatch’s Restore 3, praised for its app‑driven customization and extensive sound library, is noted as the most popular model, though its lamp is dimmer than desired and requires a subscription for full content. WiiM’s Wake‑Up Light offers a budget alternative with a compact design, bright colors, and a decent selection of tones, making it suitable for users who want basic functionality. Overall, the guide encourages readers to match their budget and feature preferences to the right sunrise alarm, noting that these devices can improve sleep quality and reduce reliance on snooze buttons.
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