6 Sunrise Alarm Clocks That Will Ease You In And Out Of Bed

Is there anything worse than being jolted out of a deep sleep by loud, repetitive beeping? Probably! But at 6 a.m., that sound is all there is. And, yes, phones offer less aggressive options than traditional alarm clocks, but none of them are what we'd call subtle. Fortunately, sunrise alarm clocks have come to rescue us with soft lights and gentle sounds.

These polite wake-up calls are typically glowing orbs designed to mimic dawn by slowly lighting up a room. This simulation nudges your brain to release cortisol, the hormone that not only tells your body it's time to wake up (among other things) but also resets its circadian rhythm to keep you on the 24-hour day-night cycle. This is particularly useful in the fall and winter when the sun rises after 7 a.m. or if you sleep with blackout curtains. Most offer a slew of other features to help you fall asleep, too, such as gently decreasing light, white noise, nature sounds, and guided meditations.

Below, find six of our favorite sunrise alarm clocks, ranging from just the basics to all the bells, whistles, and babbling brooks you could hope for.

Hatch Restore ($130)

With 22 light colors and a sound library, the Hatch is really an alarm clock, sound machine, and smart light in one. It lets you personalize your bedtime and wake-up routine by choosing the colors you see, the sounds you hear, and the order they happen in. It's all controlled with an app, and for an additional $5 per month, you can subscribe to music playlists, meditations and guided rest exercises, and stories that lull you to sleep.

Philips SmartSleep Lamp ($180)

If you'd rather not bother with an app, you'll find the SmartSleep Lamp pretty straightforward. Its pretty colors simulate sunrise and sunset more visually than other clocks, and it has guided breathing and relaxation exercises to wind down with. You can also listen to white noise, nature sounds, or the radio. One thing to be aware of though: It does not have Bluetooth, so you're really limited to the radio music-wise.

Pillowfort Wake Up Light Rise With Wood Nightlight ($25)

At $25, this is a much more basic alarm than some of the others on this list, but it does offer the most crucial feature: a sunrise alarm with a light that gradually starts your day. And while this is technically for a nursery, its semicircle shape would stand out in any room.

Dekala Arkenstone Smart Sleep Sunrise Alarm Clock ($110)

If only this colorful globe were a crystal ball, we could say it does everything. Alas, we'll have to settle for its 10 different color-changing effects — the brand says these can help with seasonal depression, headaches, and energy levels — naturally recorded alarms, breathing exercises, and 11 different types of white noise that have calming Alpha brainwave sound effects. And if a friend has one, you can send them light-coded messages via the app that controls it.

Casper Glow Light ($129)

While Casper's Glow Light has no sound, it does have sunrise and sundown features, which you can schedule and control via its app. It's designed to be used by the half-asleep, which is why it can be turned on and off with hand movements. So if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can pick it up on the way to the bathroom like a modern-day lantern. Plus, it syncs with nearby Glow Lights, so you could potentially illuminate a path with multiples.

Loftie Clock ($149)

If you want to be able to listen to your own music and not be limited to an alarm's menu, the Loftie Clock is for you. It not only doubles as a speaker, but also features a two-part alarm that mimics the way your body naturally wakes up, a Night School to help structure bedtime routines, and plenty of sounds — think white noise, nature sounds, meditations, breathwork, and sound baths. Want a more lit-up experience? Sync it with the sleek, minimalist Loftie Lamp, which is now available for preorder.

What helps you get a good night's rest? Let us know in the comments and check out our Pinterest and newsletter for more self-care inspo!