Struggling to rise and shine? Wake up easier with the help of clever gadgets to help you start your day better
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Gadgets to wake up easier
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For many, waking up is the most stressful part of the day. The sudden jolt of an alarm, the rush to get ready and the overwhelming list of tasks that need to be tackled can leave you feeling frazzled before you've even had your morning coffee.
Research shows that waking up abruptly can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, making it harder to feel refreshed and prepared for the day ahead. This stress can lead to feelings of grogginess, frustration and even anxiety as you start your day.
The pressure to be productive from the moment your eyes open can set a negative tone for everything that follows. However, it doesn't have to be this way. With the right tools and techniques, you can reclaim your mornings and start the day feeling calm, focused, and ready to take on the world.
Light therapy alarm clocks
Light therapy alarm clocks simulate a natural sunrise, gradually increasing in brightness to gently rouse you from sleep.
The Philips Smart Sleep Wake-Up Light is a popular choice, offering a calming sunrise simulation and relaxing evening dimming to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Pair it with soothing nature sounds or a built-in radio for a more natural waking experience. The Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 also delivers similar benefits with customisable light and sound settings.
Wearables with sleep-tracking
Smartwatches and fitness trackers like the Oura Ring or Apple Watch come with sleep-tracking features that monitor your sleep stages. They can wake you during your lightest sleep phase, making the transition from sleep to wakefulness feel more natural. The silent vibrating alarms are particularly useful if you don’t want to disturb others.
Smart curtains and blinds
Natural light is one of the most effective ways to signal to your body that it’s time to wake up. Smart blinds or curtains, like Switchbot Smart Automatic Curtain Opener, can be programmed to open gradually at a set time, letting sunlight flood your room and wake you gently.
White noise and sound machines
If you struggle with inconsistent sleep or need to mask external noises, gadgets like the Hatch Restore offer white noise and calming sleep sounds. These devices also double as sunrise alarms, providing an all-in-one sleep solution.
Coffee-making alarm clocks
Combine the aroma of coffee with your morning alarm using gadgets like the Joy Resolve Barisieur Coffee Alarm Clock. This useful device brews a fresh cup of coffee or tea at your desired wake-up time, giving you an extra incentive to get out of bed.
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With a background in Buddhism and mindfulness, Charlie Morley is a researcher and author - who teaches globally about dreams and sleep. He teaches people with trauma-affected sleep a set of practices called ‘mindfulness of dream and sleep', with his work at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities as well as the Ministry of Defence. We asked him for advice on how to wake up better in the morning.
Why is waking up so hard for some people?
Difficulty waking up can stem from poor sleep quality, inconsistent sleep schedules, or underlying issues like sleep inertia. Gadgets that regulate light, sound and temperature can help align your wake-up time with your natural sleep cycle.
Are sunrise alarm clocks worth it?
Yes, especially if you wake up in a dark room. Sunrise alarms mimic natural light, reducing the shock of waking suddenly and making mornings more pleasant.
Can sleep trackers really improve my wake-up routine?
Sleep trackers provide insights into your sleep patterns and can wake you during lighter sleep phases, helping you feel more alert and less groggy.
By using these smart tools, you can transform your mornings and make waking up a smoother experience. Say goodbye to groggy mornings and hello to energised starts.
Best gadgets for waking up and feeling refreshed at a glance
Best for overall sleep temperature control: Eight Sleep Pod 4 - £2,649, Eight Sleep
Best for light therapy: Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 - £109.99, Amazon
Best for a fresh start: Brass Monkey The Ice Bath - £14,995, John Lewis
Best for a coffee wakeup: Joy Resolve Barisieur Coffee Alarm Clock - £345, Selfridges
Best for relaxing sleep routines: Hatch Restore 2 Putty - £239.99, Healf
Best for baby-friendly sleep aid: Nanit Sound + Light - £99.99, Amazon
Best for controlled blinds: Switchbot Smart Automatic Curtain Opener - £84.99, Amazon
Best for multi-purpose audio: Pure Moment Clock Radio Wake-Up Light - £139, Amazon
Best for customisable sleep comfort:Sleep.8 iSense Smart Mattress - £2,399, Sleep.8
Best for an early caffeine hit:Ember Smart Mug - £124.99, Healf
Best for a soothing sunrise alarm: Philips Smart Sleep Wake-Up Light - £135.99, Philips
Best for wellness tracking: Apple Watch SE - £199, Currys
Best for relaxation: Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket - £549, Bon Charge
Find out more below
Eight Sleep Pod 4
Eight Sleep
Waking up feeling refreshed has never been easier thanks to this advanced sleep technology. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 offers a temperature control system, which adjusts throughout the night to maintain the perfect sleep environment. This personalised temperature regulation keeps you comfortable, preventing overheating or chills, and improving the overall quality of your sleep.
What sets it apart is its smart alarm feature, which gradually increases the bed’s temperature to gently wake you up. This smooth, natural wake-up helps avoid the shock of traditional alarms, leaving you more energised and ready to start the day.
Additionally, the Pod tracks your sleep patterns and offers personalised insights, allowing you to fine-tune your sleep habits for even better results. For those looking to optimise their sleep and wake up feeling at their best, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 offers comfort, technology and convenience.
Buy now£2649, Eight Sleep
Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300
Lumie
The Bodyclock Shine 300 is designed to simulate a natural sunrise, gradually filling the room with warm light to ease you out of sleep. This gentle wake-up mimics the natural progression of daylight, making it a far more pleasant experience than the usual alarm.
The gradual increase in light helps regulate your body’s internal clock, promoting a more balanced and energised start to the day. In addition, the Bodyclock Shine 300 allows you to customise your wake-up routine with various light settings, sounds and alarms, so you can tailor it to suit your preferences.
Its design makes it a subtle addition to any bedroom, and the intuitive controls make sure it is easy to use while you are still waking up.
Buy now£109.99, Amazon
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Brass Monkey Ice Bath
Brass Monkey
This one may seem a little bit unusual... However, if you want to get into the routine of waking up feeling rejuvenated, the Brass Monkey ice bath could be an idea.
Used by celebs like Joe Wicks, Shirley Ballas and Cristiano Ronaldo, this bath uses patented technology to bring cold water immersion directly to your home.
Cold water therapy has been proven to improve emotional, physical, and metabolic health, and the Brass Monkey bath makes it possible without compromising your immune system.
The ice bath’s automated ice creation makes sure that the water is always at the optimal temperature, as low as 0°C. With app control and always-on UV and filter cleaning, it provides a hassle-free experience, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy at your convenience first thing in the morning.
Buy now£14995, John Lewis
Price Comparison
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£14995
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Joy Resolve Barisieur Coffee Alarm Clock
Joy Resolve
For anyone looking for a smoother morning routine, this gadget is super handy. Starting your day with your caffeine fix already prepared is now possible with the Barisieur Tea and Coffee Brewing Alarm Clock.
This gadget combines a traditional alarm clock with a tea and coffee brewing system, so you wake up to the aroma of your favourite morning drink. As the alarm rings, it activates the brewing process, giving you the perfect cup of tea or coffee the moment you open your eyes.
The Barisieur's innovative design allows you to set your preferred brewing time the night before, ensuring your drink is freshly prepared and waiting for you as you wake.
The combination of gentle wake-up and the instant comfort of a warm drink is the ideal way to start the day.
Buy now£345, Selfridges
Hatch Restore 2
Hatch
Whether you’re winding down or preparing for the day, the Restore 2 sunrise alarm ensures a smoother, more natural transition, making it an essential gadget for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality and morning routine.
Perfect if you are looking for something different from traditional alarms that rely on jarring sounds.
By mimicking a natural sunrise with gradual light transitions from red to white, it gently stimulates your brain to release cortisol, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and energised.
This wake-up system works in harmony with soothing sleep sounds, promoting relaxation and restful sleep throughout the night.
What truly elevates the Restore 2 is its phone-free setup, allowing you to control everything without distractions.
Buy now£239.99, Healf
Nanit Sound + Light
Nanit
The Nanit Sound + Light machine is a sleep aid that uses light and sound to create soothing routines, promoting better sleep for all ages, from 0 to 99 years and beyond. While it's designed with a monitor feature for babies and children, it’s also rated highly by adults who use it as a sleep aid, including myself!
Its clever app lets you personalise your sleep routine settings, tailoring the experience to suit your needs.
By combining calming light transitions and soothing soundscapes, it helps regulate your sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Whether you're a parent looking to help your child sleep or an adult seeking a more restful night, the Nanit Sound + Light machine offers a simple yet effective solution. With thousands already using it, this sleep aid will have you sleeping like a baby in no time.
Buy now£99.99, Amazon
Switchbot Smart Automatic Curtain Opener
Switchbot
Let there be light with a convenient way to control your curtains. Using a Bluetooth remote control and an app timer function, you can open or close your curtains from anywhere, setting them to your desired position with a tap.
Switchbot Smart Automatic Curtain Opener's upgraded motor ensures smooth and reliable operation, while adding a Switchbot Hub allows compatibility with Alexa, Google Home and Homekit.
Whether you want to let in natural light or block it out at the perfect moment, the Switchbot Smart Automatic Curtain Opener offers a modern solution to enhance a home’s smart technology.
Buy now£84.99, Amazon
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eBay
£95
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Pure Moment Clock Radio Wake-Up Light
Pure
The Pure Wake Up Bluetooth Speaker and White Noise Machine is the perfect gadget for those craving a peaceful and energised start to their day.
This multi-functional device combines a wake-up light, Bluetooth speaker, white noise machine, and wireless charger in one design. The gradual light increase mimics a natural sunrise, helping you wake up gently, while the white noise feature creates a calming atmosphere, making it ideal for improving sleep quality.
With its built-in Bluetooth speaker, you can play your favourite music or calming sounds to enhance your morning routine or unwind before bed.
The added wireless charger ensures your devices are ready to go when you are, making it an all-in-one solution for better sleep and a smoother start to the day.
Buy now£139, Amazon
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Sleep.8 iSense Smart Mattress
Sleep.8
Waking up refreshed has never been easier, thanks to this mattress that adapts to your body and sleep patterns. This advanced mattress offers a personalised sleep experience, using intelligent sensors to monitor your movements and adjust its firmness for optimal support throughout the night.
As you sleep, it quietly adjusts to ensure maximum comfort, helping you wake up feeling more rested and less achy. The built-in sleep tracking features also provide insights into your sleep quality, allowing you to fine-tune your routine for better rest.
Plus, the mattress's ability to sync with your smartphone means you can control settings, ensuring your bed is perfectly tailored to your preferences. It’s the perfect investment for anyone who values a better night’s rest.
Buy now£2399, Sleep.8
Ember Smart Mug
Ember
Waking up groggy can set the tone for an unproductive day, but the Ember Smart Mug might be the surprising game-changer to your morning.
Perfect for those who rely on a hot drink to kickstart their day, this innovative mug keeps your coffee or tea at the perfect temperature for as long as you need, eliminating the stress of reheating and letting you savour every sip at your own pace.
By syncing with the Ember app, you can customise your drink’s temperature to suit your preferences, ensuring every morning brew is just right.
Starting your day with a steady, warm drink has been shown to gently wake up your system, encouraging hydration and a calming morning ritual.
Buy now£124.99, Ember
Price Comparison
Currys
£129.95
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Philips Smart Sleep Wake-Up Light
Phillips
Simulating a natural sunrise, this device gradually transitions from soft red hues to warm yellow light, gently nudging your body awake by triggering the release of cortisol, the hormone responsible for alertness.
This personalised wake-up system can be paired with calming sounds, creating an ambient environment that encourages a positive start to the day. Unlike traditional alarms that disrupt your rest, the wake-up light works with your body’s natural rhythm, helping you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the morning.
Buy now£135.99, Philips
Apple Watch SE 40 mm Midnight Aluminium Case
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Apple
This feature-packed smartwatch does more than just tell time, it’s designed to gently ease you into the day.
With its smart alarm, it uses haptic feedback to wake you up with a subtle vibration, avoiding jarring sounds that disrupt your sleep. The sleep tracking feature helps you monitor your sleep patterns, allowing you to fine-tune your bedtime routine for better rest.
Plus, the Watch SE syncs seamlessly with your phone, giving you quick access to weather, notifications, and reminders, so you can start your day efficiently.
The lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear overnight, and its interface ensures setting up alarms and routines is a breeze.
Buy now£199, Currys
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Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket
Bon Charge
The Bon Charge Infrared Sauna Blanket promises to promote better rest and revitalised mornings by leveraging infrared heat to reduce stress and enhance circulation.
Using it for a short session before bed can help soothe muscles, detoxify the body, and create a deep sense of relaxation, leading to improved sleep quality.
Unlike traditional methods of relaxation or morning routines that can feel rushed, the Bon Charge blanket allows you to ease into the day with a body that feels rejuvenated, thanks to improved blood flow and reduced tension.
For those who struggle to feel energised in the morning, this device offers a holistic, spa-like solution to wake up feeling truly refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Buy now£549, Bon Charge
Verdict
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 stands out as the ultimate sleep gadget due to its temperature regulation capabilities, allowing you to set your side of the bed to your preferred temperature, whether warm and cosy or cool and refreshing.
This customised sleep environment, paired with its anti-snoring technology, not only promotes a deeper, uninterrupted sleep cycle but also ensures a more natural, gentle wake-up.
As you move through your sleep stages, the Pod gradually adjusts the temperature and humidity to help your body wake up naturally, minimising the stress of an abrupt alarm.