Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light HF3531/01

I used to wake up abruptly every morning to the shrill alarm from my mobile phone, every alarm on there was loud and abrupt and this has been the case with other mobile phones too. I was looking at alarm clocks generally and then started reading reviews about wake up light alarms and how they actually prepare your body to wake up naturally through gradual low level light that simulates a sunrise. I was reading good reviews about these products and as someone who has blackout curtains I thought this could be something that would work for me.I found this particular alarm as it kept coming up in other peoples reviews. Although a bit pricey it’s not as pricey as some and you get some extra features with this too including FM radio which works well, a midnight light so you can tap it a couple of times if you need to get up in the night and you get a subtle light to help you see where you’re going instead of a bright dazzling one. You also get the choice of 7 natural sounds to add to your alarm which play at the point the alarm reaches its maximum brightness and then you can choose to tap and snooze the alarm and the sound switches off leaving the light on and then replays after 9 minutes. Some people may think 9 minutes is too long, you can’t change this either, but if you are someone who likes to snooze then just factor that in to the time you select when you actually set your alarm. You can have 2 alarms so maybe one for weekdays and one for weekends, or if you’re like me then during the week I need to be up at different times on particular days so it’s handy to have 2 alarms.I had read that some people had found this alarm difficult to set up, however once I’d got the hang of it it was fairly simple and the instructions are clear. There is also a test feature so once you have set it up you can test it to see how bright the alarm will be at full light and how loud the sound will be and then adjust as you need. Personally I set mine up at night so that in a dark room I could see how bright the alarm would get and also set the display light so it wasn’t too bright overnight, the display dims when it’s dark and brightens when it’s light. If you don’t like any light whatsoever you can turn the display off altogether and then just tap the alarm to see the time etc. You can even set a sunset duration so it will act as a lamp while you read etc and gradually dim over the duration you set and then turn off, this is a really nice way to prepare to sleep too and if you want you can add relaxing sounds to that or the radio but you don’t have to.Most importantly morning wake ups are now so much nicer! I don’t feel like I’m being dragged from sleep, my mood is nice and calm and I’m ready for the day. Love this alarm and will never go back to my shrill mobile phone. Would definitely recommend.

The media could not be loaded. As someone who has struggled with the impact of reduced sunlight in the autumn and winter months, leading to what many refer to as winter-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), I was on the lookout for a solution that could make my mornings brighter, both literally and figuratively. The decreased levels of sunlight during these seasons can disrupt the body’s internal clock and even affect mood due to changes in serotonin levels. This is where the Sunrise Alarm Clock has been a game-changer for me.This alarm clock is not just a device; it’s an experience. It gently starts a sunrise simulation 30 minutes before the alarm time, filling my room with a gradually brightening light that mimics the natural dawn. This feature alone has remarkably attuned my body’s internal clock to the rising sun, providing a more natural wake-up process.The most delightful aspect, however, is waking up to the sounds of nature. Instead of the jarring noise of a traditional alarm, I’m greeted each morning with the soothing chirps of birds. It’s a serene way to wake up, often so effective that I find myself waking up just before the alarm sound, in a much more peaceful state than I ever did with my old, annoying phone alarm.The realism of the sunrise simulation is astounding. It’s hard to believe how it replicates the actual sunrise so closely, casting a warm glow that gradually intensifies, making my room come alive with the new day’s promise. It’s a gentle nudge, rather than a harsh jolt, to start my day.Beyond its functional benefits, this alarm clock has had a profound impact on my mood and overall well-being. The gradual awakening aligns with my body’s rhythm, helping to combat feelings of depression that can be exacerbated by the lack of sunlight in the colder months. It’s a subtle yet powerful tool in maintaining a healthy balance in my serotonin levels.In conclusion, I couldn’t be happier with this Sunrise Alarm Clock. It has transformed my mornings from groggy and dull to peaceful and energized. For anyone who struggles with waking up, especially during the darker months, I cannot recommend this product enough. It’s not just an alarm clock; it’s a wellness tool that has significantly improved my quality of life. I would absolutely buy it again, and I encourage anyone seeking a more natural and serene way to start their day to do the same.