Sunrise alarm clocks

Badgergal

Just to update:

I eventually went for a £60 model of the Lumie because of positive reviews both on this thread and on Amazon by independent users. I bought it before I saw the post on the cheaper one that Ted has kindly found, but nevertheless I am reassured by the reviews I have on the one I've bought (especially as people have been so unimpressed with the cheap Boots one). It only arrived today so no chance to use it yet, however it comes on 30 mins before you sleep if that helps Ted?

For the record, I don't have a problem with Ted's signature at all. I wasn't aware that this site was sometimes regarded as for "loonies" though, unless people think it's loony to save money...

Murtle

I do the same as bennifred - OH still has the radio come on at a similar time, so gently music (I wish) and the sun rising gently!!!

JenIttels

Just in case anyone is interested...

Boots.com are offering extra avantage points on these clocks at the moment (500 on the £59.95 model). I'm not sure if the offer is also in-store but i plan to check tonight.

If you go to a boots xmas shopping night then you get 1200 points for every £50 you spend so i think i'm going to get the clocks at one of these anyway.

Ellie2758

I have been reading with interest the thread on sunrise alarm clocks. I suffer from SAD and have been perplexed at the number of SAD lightboxes available - too much choice!! Reading peoples' experience with the alarm clock now adds another dimension to my confusion Can somebody/anybody advise me what their experiences of lightboxes are. Also, I am sleeping quite badly at the moment - waking in the early hours unable to get back to sleep - and I am wondering if the sunrise alarm clock would help with this.....

Ellie

Ted_Hutchinson

I've just written a long reply to this and lost it before/during sending so this time I will send it bit by bit and edit further comments in.
There is research evidence which supports sunrise lamps, there is research with supports sadlight therapy. However all the research is inevitably based on the presence of light. If a placebo/pretend light could be provided which appeared to be as good a real light then one could adopt the same standards that are applied to medicines and herbal remedies. Unfortunately light is light and although some work has been done on specific light colour spectrums on the whole what matters is the power of the light source rather than the quality of the light.
It is fairly obvious that the sunrise lights depend on the belief that light can effectively reach the brain through closed eyes. It would be interesting to know if these are equally effective with blind sad users? That actually would make a good placebo test as you could with a blind person make a judgement of them knowing/not knowing the light was on. However I haven't searched that possibility so will do so later.
As you may guess I am skeptical about the benefits of sunrise type lights but readily acknowledge that there are several people on this forum whose opinions I generally respect who claim to have benefitted from using them. I don't see why you cannot give a 100watt softone low energy Phillips bulb a try in an angle poise reading light connected through a time switch set to come on half an hour before you get up a chance. If you also stare at this for 20mins while you have your morning cuppa you will have a good idea of whether you will respond. You may find that my £10 suggestion saves you spending/wasting money on more expensive stuff.
I've used proper lightboxes, St John's Wort and anti-depressants and am still a miserable old git so for some you may just have to live with it. Certainly St John's Wort has fewer side effects and is generally less harmful and more effective than the prescribed alternatives and is as effective with sadlight type depression as sadlights or prescription drugs. Before anyone shouts at me I am aware of certain possible counter reactions to SJW which are made clear on all reputable suppliers packaging and source materials. It is obvious to anyone that if a mind changing drug changes you mind effectively it could cause mindchanging problems. However I am aware of the safety record of prescribed and alternative medications and would suggest this as a treatment for mild depression initially though of course with the knowing consent of your GP. SJW can be used in conjuction with sadlights but NOT in conjunction with antidepressants (or certain other prescription drugs, which is why you must inform your GP)
Exercise is probably the most effective treatment for depression and so getting out and being physically active as early in the day as possible will be more effective than anything else you can do. You need to get the blood coursing through your brain and half and hours brisk walking will be better for you than drugs, herbs, lightboxes or other gismos. Following exercise Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which depends on taking a reasoned practical approach to why you are depressed and what you can do about it in step by step stages is the next best treatment for depression.
Underlying all depression therapies is the need for the brain to be as efficient as possible. It is true to say that most people in the UK are deficient in Omega3 and the brain needs DHA to maintain it's structure (most altzhiemers are deficient in DHA) AND EPA to maintain it's ability to communicate between as many cells as possible (omega3 is a long chain fatty acid which means it's presence in the brain enables faster communication between the maximum number of brain cells as possible thats why those you have adequate supplies are sharper/quickerwitted than those you don't )
The cheapest source of high strength Omega3 that I am aware of is Zipvit Omega Juice this give 1.5g omega3 per 5ml and so two teaspoons will provide a reasonable amount for those with depression. All the research shows that used in conjunction with anti-depressants this enables a lower dose of the anti-depressant to be effective. It also has other physical effects on blood, arteries and joints which will for most people be worthwhile irrespective of the benefits to mental health.
You can now see why I was somewhat upset by losing that post. Should really prepare them (and spellcheck) them in Word first but never seem to bother. In conclusion You have to make the decision. Do you leave your curtains open? Does a moonlit night affect your sleep. (are your periods lunar based?) If you think you will be influenced by light through your skin or closed eyelids then the Sunrise (timeswitch lowenerysoftonereadinglight) light may be the first step. If you think it's high power straight light directly from light througheyes to brain, that counts then see if using the light only after you wake up, rather than before does the trick. Only you can decide if a megapower dazzling superbright expensive light does the trick. I've tried and am too much of a wimp to get so close, so as far as I am concerned these are only a goer if you want to treat (inflict the agony) the rest of your family simultaneously as 100watt phillips softone is all I want to bear at 6inches at 7am.
Further edit, having just read the further contribution. Light visors are small halogen light bulbs set in a kind of headset which places them close to the eyes. I've tried using one but it doesn't reallly allow me mobility as I moved about as I found I was dazzled so walked about like a drunk. They are a low energy light source but prove the point that it isn't the power but the closeness to the eyes that really matters. Generally very overpriced for two halogen torchlights on a headband but some people are easily conned.

Bennifred

Hi, Ellie!
I also suffer from SAD, and have for many years. I have in the past been prescribed antidepressants etc, but for the last couple of years have found that I can get through the winter without them, with the help of a light visor (which is like a light source fitted on a visor, so that you can move about whilst getting your light "dose"). What I find is that wearing the visor for 30-45 mins early in the morning appears to help regulate my sleep pattern, which previously was a major problem (and we all know how we feel with lack of sleep!!). I find that if I get the right amount of undisturbed sleep the low mood/low energy is much easier to cope with. I do also use a sunrise alarm clock, but I'm not sure if that has any actual effect on sleep etc - I just find that it is a much gentler, calmer way of waking up and so I feel better to start with - no jolting awake, pounding heart to start the day! I use the sunrise alarm clock all the year round, but only use the visor from late September through to early April.
Of course, everyone has individual circumstances and sometimes you have to try things to see if they work for you (eg St. John's Wort didn't suit me but I know it does help many others). The problem is it all takes time to give each thing a fair trial! Anyway - the visor and the sunrise clock help me a great deal. Hope this helps!

Bennifred

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

Further edit, having just read the further contribution. ............. Generally very overpriced for two halogen torchlights on a headband but some people are easily conned.

Ouch!
(Good job I love you, Ted! )

Savvy_Sue

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

I've used proper lightboxes, St John's Wort and anti-depressants and am still a miserable old git

but we still love you Ted!

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

I've tried using one but it doesn't reallly allow me mobility as I moved about as I found I was dazzled so walked about like a drunk.

:rotfl: I do that without a visor on!

To try out the cheap method Ted describes I think the ideal for me would be to get my reading light to come on with a time switch: it's a small fluorescent tube like you have under a kitchen worktop, and it's on the headboard. Trouble is, all the sockets are hidden under the bed, and I use my reading light last thing at night! Don't fancy having to get out of bed to set the timer before I nod off. Alternative is to find another socket to plug my 'old' reading light into but I don't think that will take a high wattage bulb. Problems, problems. AND it's only going to get worse when the clocks change!

Ted_Hutchinson

Bennifred wrote:

Ouch!
(Good job I love you, Ted! )

|I didn't mean to imply visor's didn't work rather they are overpriced for what is basically two halogen torch bulbs fixed on a headband. If they double as wireless headphones you might accept the cost was reasonable. The reader has to be aware that light diminishes by the power of four for each inch further from your eyes it orginates. So a weak light very near your eye may be the equivalent of a much more powerful light further away from you. This is why the cheapo DIY versions may be just as effective as the overpriced overhyped versions. Getting your light early, by whatever means is more effective than later. Do bright light at night and you will stay awake. This can be used to advantage if you are going abroad or wish to reset your body clock on returning with jetlag.

Savvy_Sue

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

Do bright light at night and you will stay awake.

But I can't read without a bright light, and I always read in bed at night! Sob. (Mind you I haven't noticed it keeping me awake!)