Does the information on this site answer all of your questions about wake-up lights? If not then do not worry. There are numerous questions that could and should be asked before you decide to invest in one and, while the content here does answer some, it may not answer all of the questions you have.
As a result, you will find a list of frequently asked questions below complete with comprehensive answers so that you can literally find out everything you need to know in advance.
What difference does light make to an alarm clock?
Believe it or not, light makes an incredible difference to an alarm clock. There is nothing worse than waking up in a completely darkened room to an annoying buzzer. Even worse if you hit the snooze button or the off button and go back to sleep.
It is infinitely difficult to wake up with darkness but light, especially one that rises slowly and brings your body to the point of waking over a period of time, can help to make the process easier, gentler, and more effective. It will leave you feeling as if you are raring to go for the day so it does make a huge difference, as those who have used a light alarm clock will tell you.
Are wake-up lights the same as light therapy lights?
In some cases, wake up lights are similar to light therapy lights but most are not. Many of them actually offer blue or white lights that are meant to mimic daylight and so provide as natural a sunrise in your bedroom as possible to wake you up.
However, there are a few that have lighting that has been designed to offer a degree of light therapy too. This is only present in the models that advertise this function because it is obviously a specific type of light. However, all wake-up light alarms can alleviate depression and enhance health, and indeed are proven to do so.
How can I check if some are light therapy lights too?
All you have to do to see if the wake-up light you want is a light therapy light too is check the paperwork that comes with it. All light therapy lights have to be medically certified before they can be sold for use.
They are also advertised as certified so you can be absolutely sure of what you are paying for. If there is no certificate though, it is not officially a light therapy product.
Are the wake-up lights safe?
All lights that appear in light alarm clock models today are completely safe, having been rigorously checked to ensure that they do not emit harmful substances or indeed light that could be detrimental to your health.
However, you should make sure that the literature states that all UV light has been filtered out. As with all other electrical consumer goods, they are also checked for safety in that area. As such, you can have 100% peace of mind that it will benefit you rather than be detrimental.
Are wake-up lights battery or mains operated?
Whether wake up lights are battery or mains operated largely depends on the model because most are operated via a mains cord but a few also have the ability to operate on batteries. However, there are very few that can offer you a backup function whereby it automatically switches to batteries or stored energy should the power fail.
All of this will be specified in the product information though so be sure to decide what you want in advance.
Also, it is worth considering having a small manual alarm clock on your bedside table if your wake up light does not have battery back up just in case. That way, a power failure will not be a concern for you.
When should I set my alarm for if the lights come on gradually?
This is a very common question amongst those considering a wake-up light as their next alarm clock because it can be confusing. Let us clear the confusion right now! If you want to get up at 7.30 am then set the wake-up light for 7.30 am. This is not the time that the light will start to come on but rather the time that it will be at its brightest, depending on the brightness or intensity you set.
The light itself will start to come on at a set interval before your wake up time choice. In most cases, you can actually choose the interval yourself from various options.
Most wake-up light alarms have intervals of 15, 20, 30, 60, and 90 minutes but some will have more options available for you. The top of the range wake up lights have up to 20 settings. Over the course of the interval that you chose, the light will come on and rise in brightness level until it reaches its designated peak.
In the most wake up lights, the light will be accompanied by noise too so as to ensure that you are up and raring to go when you need to be. If in doubt, though, read the instructions and it will tell you exactly what you need to know.