Everyone can benefit from the gentle yet effective dawn simulator used in the Sunrise Alarm Clock. "Heavy sleepers" sometimes look for the loudest alarm clock they can find, but to wake up refreshed you will want to take advantage of your body's natural desire to wake up gradually. Traditional alarm clocks are appropriately named because they alarm your senses with their jarring noise. They are designed to rouse us no matter which stage of sleep we are in, and to do so immediately. But think of the mornings when you don't need an alarm clock and can leisurely wake up at your own pace. It's not just the extra sleep you may be getting that makes you feel relaxed and well rested; the gradual process of waking naturally plays a big part, too.
As a result of having been in darkness all night long, human eyes easily perceive the increasing sunny glow and react to it as they would a real sunrise. When our eyes detect this increased level of light, a signal is sent to the brain's pineal gland. The pineal then triggers the production of the hormone serotonin, which causes us to slowly awaken. This natural method of waking leaves us feeling refreshed and energized. If you choose a clock with aromatherapy and nature sounds then your nose and ears will help you wake up in the same way!
Our vote for best alarm clock goes to the Progression Wake Up Clock because it includes every gradual function available, has an unconditional lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, and is reasonably priced. It also gets extra points for including coffee scented aromatherapy beads!
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Progression Wake Up Clock
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Dawn simulator (gradual increase in ambient light)
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Aromatherapy (gradual increase in scents: Energy, Coffee, Stress Relief, and Lavendar, or use your own essential oils)
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Nature sounds (gradual increase of sounds in Nightfall, Thunder Storm, Zen Melody, Mountain Stream, Songbirds, and Ocean Surf)
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Optional buzzer for end of waking cycle
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Sunset function (diminishing light, aromatherapy, and nature sounds)
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Nightlight function
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Backup battery power in case of power loss
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The Sunrise Alarm Clock costs a bit more and features a couple other useful functions. Instead of nature sounds it features an AM/FM radio. It can also be used in "security" mode where the light is activated at random intervals to help deter intruders. Also, research has shown that sun alarm clocks help beat SAD or the "winter blues". Perfect for the hearing impaired.
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Sunrise Alarm Clock
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Dawn simulator (gradual increase in ambient light)
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Programmable (set sunrise/sunset duration from 0-120 minutes)
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AM/FM Radio
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Optional buzzer and "flashing" for end of waking cycle
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Sunset function (diminishing light, aromatherapy, and nature sounds)
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Nightlight function
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Backup battery power in case of power loss
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Security function (activates lamp at random intervals to deter intruders)
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For a simpler alarm clock, suitable for desk use as well, the Zen Clock is ideal. It produces a perfect "B" tone chime at progressively shorter intervals when used an alarm, or it can be set to chime on the hour. It's simple wood case fits into any decor and makes a soothing addition to any office or home. Also great for meditation timing.
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Zen Alarm Clock
- Real chime activates at progressively shorter intervals
- Chime can function as alarm and/or can ring on the hour
- Chime is audible if sleek hardwood case is open or closed
- Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
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Other Resources: Sunrise clock discussion, why sunrise clocks work, Pick of the Day: zen alarm clock, progression clock user comments, silly zen clock thing, Clocky hiding alarm clock
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