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Unlike traditional alarms, which interrupt your natural sleep cycle with a sudden burst of sound, the best sunrise alarm clocks wake you up with a gentle sunrise. They gradually increase the light in your bedroom to mimic the sunrise, helping to regulate your body's circadian rhythm and gently wake you up.
While they’re perfect for the dark winter months, sunrise alarm clocks are useful all year round if you use blackout curtains or sleep in a room that doesn’t get sunlight in the morning.
Light-up alarm clocks are especially useful for anyone who suffers from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which has symptoms in common with depression but only happens in winter. This may mean you find it even harder to wake up, feel sleepy during the day and crave high-carbohydrate foods. It’s thought that around 1 in 15 people in the UK experience some form of SAD each year, and a sunrise alarm clock can help with those difficult wake-up calls. Some of the clocks we tested can be used throughout the year, providing a boost whenever it’s gloomy outside.
These clocks don’t just give us a spring in our step each morning, either. Research by the National Institute of Industrial Health shows that forced awakening by an alarm contributes to a higher heart rate and blood pressure compared with those who wake up in their own time.
As well as the sunrise function, some models have a radio or multicoloured lights to be used at other times, while others mimic the sunset, to help you get to sleep at night. Some models even forgo the clock element altogether, instead acting as stylish bedroom lamps.
How we tested
We left our usual phone alarm on silent and tried out each one of these sunrise alarm clocks next to our bed, just as the mornings started to get darker. For each one, we tested any extra functions, assessed how easy the clock was to program, and then noted how effective the sunrise was at waking us when we were asleep. We also considered whether the clocks were good value and whether we would be happy to keep them out on display year-round.
Why you can trust us
Siobhan Grogan has been writing product reviews for IndyBest since 2021, covering everything from food and wine to household appliances, as well as beauty, kids, and tech. Whether it’s bath towels or non-alcoholic wine, Siobhan has a thorough approach to testing and considers options for every budget. When it comes to sunrise alarm clocks, her reviews are honest and realistic to help you make the best decision for your home.
The best sunrise alarm clocks for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Beurer WL50 wake up to daylight table lamp: £69.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best affordable buy – Foryond alarm clock wake up light: £32.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for children – Momcozy sunrise alarm clock: £46.99, Very.co.uk
- Best for SAD sufferers – Lumie sunrise alarm: £49.99, Boots.com
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