#Cool alarm clock how to

If you have the sunrise clock all the way across the room, it may not seem too bright. That may seem intuitive, but it tells us that the brightness rating provided for any sunrise clock is only accurate at a certain distance. As you shop for a sunrise alarm clock, keep in mind that a higher lux signifies a more intense light.Īnother thing to be aware of is the inverse-square law, which holds that the further the distance from the light source, the less intense the light will be. You’ll often see brightness expressed in lux or lumens, but what do those mean? Lumens are a measure of brightness, whereas lux is a measure of lumens spread over an area, expressed in square meters. Experts told us that the presence of light can greatly impact your body’s circadian rhythm - an internal mechanism that regulates various processes within any given day or 24-hour cycle, a significant standout among those being the sleep-wake cycle. Some clocks have other features like sleep sounds and connected apps, but the light is the critical feature that determines whether the product will be useful to you. Most sunrise alarm clocks are fairly similar - they have a light that simulates the sunrise and/or sunset.

#Cool alarm clock how to

We also rounded up highly rated options across various price points based on their guidance How to shop for a sunrise alarm clock We consulted medical experts on what sunrise clocks can do for you, as well as what they can’t. Experts told us that the presence (or lack) of light is a main factor in regulating our sleep cycle, and since the sun rises later during Daylight Saving Time, a sunrise alarm clock can provide light that may help us wake more naturally. Sunrise clocks are a quieter alternative to audio alarm clocks, using light that mimics the natural sunrise to wake us up rather than a blaring sound. SKIP AHEAD Highly rated sunrise clocks | How sunrise clocks promote better sleep And while some may enjoy the evening daylight in the summer, sleep doctors from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine say that less morning light and more nighttime light can result in “circadian misalignment” and lost sleep. Daylight Saving Time is nearly upon us: After spending the winter in standard time, we’ll spring forward an hour on Sunday, March 13.