Thinking back to my time at college, one of the toughest challenges was waking up in time for 9am classes. Now, after reviewing sleep tech for a year, there's one stand-out gadget I'd recommend to make those early starts ten times easier. Enter: a sunrise alarm clock.
The best sunrise alarm clocks I've tested this year are multi-functional devices complete with sleep audio tracks, authentic sunrise and sunset simulations and calming alarm sounds.
From a student-friendly mattress to comfortable bedding, there are many things to invest in for better sleep at college (you can find our list of 35+ back to school sleep products here). But if you're looking for a gadget to elevate your nighttime and morning routine with a budget of $50, here's why I recommend shopping the Odokee sunrise alarm clock in Labor Day sleep sales...
How can a sunrise alarm clock help you at college?
A sunrise alarm clock not only makes waking up easier, but it is also scientifically proven to improve your mood and energy levels. A study by researchers at the University College of London found light exposure during the last 30 min of sleep can increase alertness and improve both cognitive and physical performance after waking - great news if you're heading off to class.
The light gradually increasing over 30 minutes gently pulls you from sleep allowing you to complete your 90-minute sleep cycle before fully waking you with an alarm sound. Reaching the end of a sleep cycle rather than being jolted awake in the middle of one helps you feel less groggy upon waking.
What's more, exposing yourself to sunlight (be it simulated or natural) first thing in the morning helps to align your circadian rhythm. In turn, your body will get used to producing alertness-enhancing hormones like cortisol earlier in the day and sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin come evening, so you feel switched on for classes and sleepy when it's time to wind down for bed at a reasonable hour. That could mean better grades and less time tossing and turning at night as you'll be able to fall asleep fast, even if your dorm room bed doesn't come equipped with one of the best mattresses.
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