Waking up early and feeling energized has always felt like polar opposites for me.  This is the situation for many people around the world.  Studies have shown that people feel more energetic and refreshed during those sunny, bright summer mornings when the sun is shining through.  Waking up early and feeling energized has always felt like polar opposites for me.  This is the situation for many people around the world.  Studies have shown that people feel more energetic and refreshed during those sunny, bright summer mornings when the sun is shining through.

Nothing is worse than waking up in a dark bedroom, turning on your bedside lamp, and having your eyes feel disrupted from shock of the bright light.  I discovered thePhilips Wake-up Light Plus – got hold of it – and tested it first-hand for The Digital Life on CityLine.ca.  I will admit I was really skeptical initially; doubting the product’s success and whether it would work at all.  I am one who wakes up in the dark, and the Wake-up Light allowed me to have that simulated sunlight, waking up more naturally and well-rested.

So, how does it work?  FromPhilips’ website, “Starting half an hour before your set wake up time, the Wake-up Light gradually fills your room with bright light like a rising sun emitting natural light.  The light gently prepares your body for waking up while you are still asleep.”

To put it into context, if your alarm clock wake-up is set to 7AM, the light will gradually get stronger starting at 6:30AM.  At the set wake up time, your body is ready to wake up and natural sounds will gradually accompany the light.

As I previously mentioned, I have been using the unit for approximately one month now.  Within the first week, I noticed an immediate difference.  My eyes didn’t feel as disrupted; the alarm wasn’t as piercing; and get this – I often woke up before the alarm went off.

The fact that I was able to adjust the brightness myself was great; essentially giving me the power to choose how bright the “sun” was in my room, accordingly.  Working with scientists and experts in the field, Philips developed a range of energy light products to help you restore and retain energy, in addition to fighting the winter blues.

The unit is easy to maintain, with a user-replaceable halogen lamp, smart snooze, and option to add your own sounds and music via its USB port.

The National Sleep Foundation has chosen to make Philips Wake-up Light Plus its Official Light Therapy Product, in recognition of the benefits they provide in helping you wake-up better, brighter, and more energetic throughout your day.

If you are struggling to wake up in the morning, definitely give it a shot!  It retails for $179.99 at most electronics stores. Test it out, and let us know what you think in the comments below or via my Twitter,@WinstonSih.

To learn more about the device, how it works, and to find out where to buy it – be sure to visit their website here.

Repost from CityLine.ca