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Diana , Englewood, Fl — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:41:46 GMT

I have one of these clocks and I think they are wonderful.. while I'm a morning person anyway.. its makes it much easier to rise and shine !!!!

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Al, Florida — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:35:31 GMT

I just love this story. It was very entertaining atleast. Fortunately mornings aren't horrible for me. As for my wife who is a homemaker, (and thank God doesn't have to be anywhere in the mornings), it would might require an atomic flash-like device to even begin to stir her before 10am.

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gina bradley — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:05:06 GMT

That was awesome review! I have something very similar to this..but mine isn't super bright. Kind of a bright night light that doesn't get me up any earlier or make it easier. Its still evil to wake up early and I still hate it.

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Bethlynn Sanders, Kalamazoo, MI. — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:05:21 GMT

I have one of these clocks, had it for over five years now. I can tell you I love the clock. In five years time I think I did not wake on one occasion. The night prior to using the clock I was tending to a dying family member. So, understandably, the following morning was "unusual" to say the least.

You can get less expensive versions of sunrise clocks through Lands End. If you are open to trying the clock may I suggest you begin with a less expensive model.

Again, I have had great success with my clock and feel 100% differently than the author of this article.

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Chad, Phoenix AZ — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:12:51 GMT

You'd think living in the "Valley of the Sun" would be enough to alter my nocternal tendencies. Nope! I need an interigation lamp blazing in my face every morning. After I'm evenly roasted the pain usually gets me up.

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Julie G, St. Paul, MN — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:15:25 GMT

I was diagnosed with SAD last summer. I bought a "Lighten Up" timer which I plug my light into. I set it for 1/2 hour before my alarm goes off. It has definately helped me...I usually suffer from "the blues" from mid-January to the end of Feb, but have not had that issue at all this year. It probably helps that I am up after my husband, but without the light, I was constantly sleeping through my alarm and now I don't and I don't feel groggy either when I get up.

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Stephanie Orlando FL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:15:44 GMT

I had to wake up at 4:30 AM and my problem was I was blinded and put in a bad mood instantly when I turned on my bed side lamp even though it was a very low wattage bulb. This lamp saved me and my coworkers. I love this 'alarm'. There was only one time that I slept all the way to the music. It was best buy for me.

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J Eli, Great Falls, MT — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:20:18 GMT

That was just the dose of humor I needed to get me awake this morning. Perhaps reading reviews written with the same humor as yours is the ultimate alarm clock.

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Erin, Tustin, CA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:28:55 GMT

I've had this alarm for about 3 years now. It takes more than a week to get used to, but it has really helped me during the winter months. I had tried a lamp on a timer prior to this, and find the gradual increasing intensity of the alarm preferable to a light being flipped on by the timer-even 60 watts seems like mid-day sun in the early morning. I still use the audible alarm, which is harder to ignore when the light turns back on again.

Of course, I have dogs too, and when they see the first light of the alarm, they start crying to go out. But it's prefereable to waking up in complete darkness to find your shoes and take them outside.

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Lisa, Chicago, IL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:38:29 GMT

This article is hilarious. Great writer!!!

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SF — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:40:10 GMT

I'm a natural morning person but this is invaluable in the winter when the sun comes up to late.

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Tracey, Marietta Ga — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:02:18 GMT

The thing I have notice with the night owl types is that there isn't an alarm out there that is going to please them because the fact is that they don't want to get up. I am not a morning person but I am at work before the sun rises every day. I think it has gotten a little easier in the past 5 years but I still enjoy sleeping in on the weekends. My trick to getting up early is after I shut the alarm clock off, I flip my feet out of bed and stand up. Thats all there is to it. Once you lay there and snooze it just makes it more difficult.
My wife, on the other hand, is very hard to get up. SHe for some reason can't just shut the alarm off and get out of bed. I have tried a few different alarms. The annoying ones work to get her out of bed but she hates them. why? Well, because they make her get out of bed. I bought the alram that had a helicopter that took off when the alarm went off. She would always have to get out of bed to find it to turn off the alarm. I bet she broke it on pupose.

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Cara, Washington, DC — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:04:20 GMT

Okay, well this isn't a very helpful review for the majority of us who don't have dogs. Good to know that my non-existent dog is going to react to this product.

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Leslie Smurthwaite, Pottstown, PA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:14:03 GMT

What a humorous review...I laughed out loud! You should try the Zen alarm clock, I LOVE mine. It uses a single, resonating chime at gradually increasing intervals. It lets you wake up gradually, without startling you awake like regular alarm clocks. It was expensive, but one of my best purchases ever.

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Caroline, Seattle, WA. — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:25:54 GMT

I've used a dawn simulator happily for more than two years, but mine is a very simple plug that attaches to a regular lamp. I use a desk lamp with a full-spectrum bulb, and place it on the other side of the room. It invariably wakes me without the horrible "jolt" of an alarm clock. For people like me, who have Seasonal Affective Disorder, a dawn simulator can be a real godsend.

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Bev Thacker, Mill City, OR — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:39:44 GMT

I've used a similar clock from Sharper Image for years and absolutely LOVE it. I hate waking up in the dark which is what happens from November to March where I live. I rarely sleep until the sound alarm goes off. It doesn't use a "krypton" bulb, just a regular, low-wattage bulb and there's no strobe effect.

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Olivia, South Bend, IN — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:05:29 GMT

I have a version of this alarm clock and even though I still struggle to get up in the mornings, I do like the fact that I usually wake up before the alarm sounds. It's a gentler way to wake up instead of being blasted out of a dead sleep.

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Nicole Eiler, Romulus MI — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:10:46 GMT

I am and always have been a night person. If I could get a job to match my sleep patterns, I would sleep from 2am until 10am, but because I can't I must sleep between 9pm and 5am because of my job. I spent years with insomnia and a couple of years on Lunesta so I could sleep and went to a sleep clinic to try and figure out what was wrong with me. That said I only went off the Lunesta once I started using a sunset/sunrise alarm clock. I've used 2 different types (not the one reviewed) with positive results. I'm up by 5:00 in the morning awake and alert which never happened before using the lamps, and best of all I'm asleep by 10:00. It has also helped regulate my weekend sleep patterns, so that I no longer sleep too late on the weekends. Perhaps the model reviewed is not the best, but similar products have cetainly helped me.

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Patti — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:34:10 GMT

This was the most hysterical description of a product I have read in a long time! I sat at my desk laughing (albeit quietly so others did not think I was insane). Not sure I want the clock, but the mental images the story painted will last!

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Rob , Holiday, FL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:44:04 GMT

Playing in a rock-n-roll band, I was always a "nite-owl". After I gave that up and moved to a new city, I had to be up at 5am every weekday for work. Now I have trouble staying awake till 11pm on weekends and have trouble sleeping past 7am. I HATE IT! I want to be a nite-owl again!

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Muareen Aull, Fairbanks, Alaksa — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:45:59 GMT

Perhaps they could market this device to Pomeranians and wives seeking divorce...

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Dan Harris, Birmingham, Al — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:37:10 GMT

I Love It!! I can just see the dog going nuts in the bed. (My wife takes 3 alarm clocks, too.) Maybe you can re-gift the clock at Christmas.

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Suzanne, Harrisburg, PA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:08:08 GMT

I had one, and it didn't help me a bit because as soon as I realized it was still dark outside, I went back to bed.

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Lindsay, Boston, MA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:12:50 GMT

I need one of these immediately!

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Becky Vredenburg, Camas, WA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:18:34 GMT

Get up everyday at the same time!? I get up at 4:30 am for work. I live in the great northwest... I can see it now. I wake up at 4:30 on a saturday and run out to my balcony in the pouring down rain in the dark IN MY PAJAMAS. Sounds wonderful :) I think I'll stick to sleeping in whenever I can...

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Noelle, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:50:55 GMT

I'm not a morning person at all, but I have the Sharper Image version of this clock and love it. The light is much gentler than described here, and it adds in a "nature sound" at 15 minutes into the light cycle. (It also has aromatherapy, but I haven't tried that aspect yet.) I do still use the buzzer at the end of the 30-minute light cycle, but by then I'm usually almost awake anyway. It's definitely a much gentler way to wake up than the sudden blaring of a buzzer into a deep sleep!

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Bridget Hughes, Redmond, Wash — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:35:06 GMT

I only ever use the radio/music portion of alarm clocks. The buzzers are far too jarring and unpleasant (plus they scare the cat into clawing into me).

I've used the Soleil Sun Alarm for about 2 years now, with my local NPR station as my wake-up sound. In the winter, it's great because there's no light outside in the mornings. In the summer, it's a clock radio.

It works best if it's placed at eye-height so the "sun" comes in through your eyelids. If it's not lined up, it's not bright enough to do anything for me. I got new furniture when I moved last year, so this winter it's not quite at eye-height and I totally notice a difference.

It hasn't reset my body clock, but it's a nicer way to wake up than flicking on a lamp.

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Sean, Bellevue, WA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:19:14 GMT

If you are getting up at 6am then you had better be going to sleep at around 10pm. Don't blame the alarm clock if you don't get enough sleep to begin with (as your dog definately does). I have an alarm clock that uses a gradually increasing soft chime - same kind of thing, but it works if you sleep under pillows or covers. I find that it's only really effective if I allow myself enough sleep time. But then I am only really effective if I get enough sleep time.

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Kathy Umberson, Anaheim, CA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 01:56:02 GMT

Oh my goodness, this was absolutely the FUNNIEST article I have read in a long time! I'm sitting at my desk laughing very loudly with tears streaming down my face! Thank goodness I'm the only one here right now, because everyone would think I've lost my mind! I would LOVE to read more written by this author, Julia Sommerfeld, if her writings are as funny as this! The image given of waking up and stumbling around while being, as she said, "blinded from the white flash scene in one of those nuclear-holocaust movies" while a Pomeranian is flipping out and doing gymnastics on the bed will stick with me for some time!

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Zeke, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:07:09 GMT

I agree, don't blame the alarm clock, get better sleeping habits. I think the clock is awesome and it works good whemn you spread the light to 30 minutes.

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Tim - Louisville, KY — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:17:00 GMT

LOL. Very entertaining, if nothing else. I am SO glad that I don't have that clock.

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scott l. duignan — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:27:52 GMT

For all you nocturnal people, your in for a rude awakening next week when we switch to daylight savings time. Yes we turn our clocks back on the eighth of MARCH. While the sun may set at seven next week, if you wake up at five thirty, as I do, we will be back to the winter doldrums of darkness in the morning. Not that anyone will see this, but good luck to all. Wish I cou;d take the clock to my out-door job.

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Ginger, Edmond, ok — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:48:42 GMT

Even better than a dog or an alarm clock to wake you up in the morning---a baby!! I have not slept past 6:00 since she was born and now she is 3 years old!! Talk about a rude awakening!!!

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LeAnne Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:50:51 GMT

Hilarious! Thanks for the great review! Now that is some clock...

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Catherine, Omaha Nebraska — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:21:18 GMT

Thanks SO much for a hysterically funny article. It's been the week from hell (found out that loved one has to go on chemo), and I REALLY needed that.

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Travis, Providence, RI — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 03:33:56 GMT

I always love when you have people that are exceptions to the rule try out products. If it takes you three alarm clocks to wake up everyday I can assure you your husband will be salty at you every morning regardless of the alarm.

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Bob, Meriden, CT — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:18:12 GMT

A similar type of analog clock was available in the 50's from Sunbeam. My mother bought it around when I was born. The clock lasted about 40 years. Several years ago my mother found a modern version of the same clock called "Moon Beam" - exactly the same as the Sunbeam version with the gradually increasing light alarm with the blaring alarm at the end of the wakeup cycle. She sent it as a present to my wife and I. I keep it in my den (with the alarm off!!).

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Natalie in the State of Confusion — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:52:15 GMT

Clearly, none of the poor people who struggle to wake up in the mornings have a cat. You can tell a dog to go lay down and be quiet -- and he will eventually, with that "Why me?" look on his face. A cat, on the other hand, has the determination of a rising tide. He will get his way. You WILL get out of bed. -- Fantastic article by Julia Sommerfeld. I laughed out loud.

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Stephanie — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 06:03:15 GMT

LOL! As a fellow night owl, I'll be sure to avoid it. :-)

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Rick — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 06:44:25 GMT

I'm a night owl myself, BUT...

I have a coffee maker with an "Automatic Start" feature. I started out setting the Coffee Maker to start earlier than my alarm clock, so that the coffee would be ready when the alarm went off. Much to my amazement, I found that I began awakening to the SMELL of the coffee brewing. I don't set my alarm at all anymore...

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Barb - Eugene, Or — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:05:27 GMT

I almost wound up never needing an alarm clock again, started choking with laughter reading this - I want to get this clock just to see what my pom does.

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John Mattew — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:22:26 GMT

It is pretty cool, you can have the sun shine in your room.

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John Powers, Boston, MA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 07:32:32 GMT

I am still crying even after reading all the comments. Hysterical! Who is this Julia Sommerfield?? I am a night owl myself, and can identify personally with almost every aspect of that story.

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Bob M. North Mankato, MN — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:03:18 GMT

I have a psychic and fully clawed male Siamese who can wake me from the deepest sleep by gently sinking his front claws into my chest while licking the end of my nose. In sub-zero winter he uses the little pieces of ice lodged in his paws to enhance the effect. I suspect the effect is similar to a nuclear Pomeranian but I will accept the writers description as an adequate substitute. A mere clock you can throw away, but a cat would haunt you to the end of days. Ain't love wonderful

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Babs Johnson — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:23:44 GMT

What is a clock? Is that New Orleans time? Phase out realistic numbers in favor of the real times.

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Sherri — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:46:59 GMT

I hope you don't get paid to write. Your review sucks, get another job. The clock appears to be a winner though.

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Alex Toronto, O CANADA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:20:56 GMT

A great read about another trivial product. You have a talent to amuse. I loved the bit about the nuke going off and upsetting the dog, although it did remind me of what Bush has yet to do. ;-)

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Jim R — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:41:32 GMT

If you need 3 alarm clocks to wake your self up, then you're already in a difficult spot. No alarm clock is gonna make you happy, lol. I'm a nocturnal person myself, but one alarm is enough for me. Don't think any alarm is comforting... in a clock, or smoke detector, security... Good luck in resetting your BIO clock.

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Dave Durand, Pitman, NJ — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:41:38 GMT

I have one of these alarm clocks and it does all it says it will. perhaps you should set it for the 120 minute cycle. however, I don't think anything will work for you as you just don't want to wake up! Everyone likes to blame something/someone else. Try looking in the mirror. That said, I thought your article was rather entertaining and your dog must get a laugh at your antics in the morning.

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Michael, Paris, France — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:03:18 GMT

I have the same clock. They take some getting used to, but if you use them regularly, they end up resetting and maintaining your sleeping rhythm, so you are actually ready to get up when the light gets to full radiance. I recently swtiched to the Philips version, which I like even better.

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WATCHER — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:35:21 GMT

My wife has used a simple timer and a light for years its allot cheaper than this thing. Go to Wal-Mart and ask for a light timer 8.00 - 12.00 bucks.

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Cory, Austin, TX — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:17:06 GMT

The "expert" says to re-set your biological clock, wake up and get outside as soon as possible to get sunshine on your body. Well.. the problem with that is.. most people who have to wake up early for work get up BEFORE the sun is up. So that wont help much..

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Bill Nunamaker — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:51:07 GMT

Great review and very humorously written. Keep up the great reviews and the great writing!

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Gene, Beatrice, NE — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:27:46 GMT

I had a "Hams Beer Lamp" borrowed from some bar that had a soft blue light plugged into my radio alarm while in the army. I was a nice quiet way to wake in the dark early mornings. This Sun alarm should be great if set not to come on slow.

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Gary Kruis Altoona Pa — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:36:16 GMT

As one with a profound hearing loss, I have been using a 150 watt clear bulb in a photo lamp (clamp light) for years connected to a "Tork" (max 220 volt 30 amp) electronic timer. I figured if that didn't work, I was going to hook a 1/2 horsepower electric motor to a belt driven out of balance shafted counterweight with my bed elevated on spring isolators. If all else fails....I still have my 14 yr old male cat with claws that reminds me when it's time to eat........I would surly consider running the motor idea past the cat first (that is without me in the bed).

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Young, Ottawa — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:02:22 GMT

There are a lot more factors in waking up refreshed. Do not eat late, no alcohol and get a solid 7-8 hours.

With that said the story was hilarious!

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Chris, Waltham, MA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:21:55 GMT

When I went to the web site for this product and saw a happy, refreshed woman rising to greet the new day I had another great laugh!

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Deb Daly — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:26:00 GMT

This is one of the most entertaining, funny articles I have read in a very long time.
Like the author, I am a night person. I have slept through trees falling on my house, a house fire and multiple alarm clocks....I would indeed be putting a pillow over my face and this thing would be finding its way to the thrift shop in no time!
Thanks for the laugh! This was a great article! I loved it!

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Maggie - Seattle, WA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:33:24 GMT

I have this alarm clock. I love it! Please don't trash this great product because you are not a morning person.

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Eric,Auburn,WA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:15:08 GMT

great article, fun and informative, I think I'll try one since I get up around 3 am it might be nice to wake up to simulated sun light, My body is already adjusted to waking up at that time and my alarm never gets to go off, but I could set this alarm and wake up sunshine

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louisville, ky. — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:17:50 GMT

I have one that's similar, different brand. It is the most natural thing in the world for humans to rise with the sun and fall with the sun. So, it makes perfect sense. The one I have also has a feature so that it will "sunset" for 15 minutes. This gradually lulls you into sleep.

The most favorable thing I can say about these is that it doesn't startle you awake. Truly, it draws you out, naturally, of your dream cycle... so that you are always your most pleasant self...

peace.

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Kate, San Diego, CA — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:50:04 GMT

Great article! I'm a two alarm night owl. One is in the bathroom so I am physically forced to get out of bed to turn it off. Even so, I will sleep through the piercing alarm for up to 30 minutes and incorporate it into horrible nightmares until I finally wake up. My solution was to get a dog. He barks without fail starting at 7AM until I get up to take him out.

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Jeff Jeff, Laconia NH — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:21:21 GMT

I love my Sunrise Alarm Clock! It slowly takes me out of a deep sleep making me feel more awake when I do wake up. Of course I back up my sunrise alarm (I back up all my alarm clocks) with two regular alarm clocks (it usually takes me 2 or 3 alarms to wake up regardless of what kind it is).

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sleepy , in Alaska — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:57:34 GMT

what a joke.
i am an Alaskan and not bothered by the darkness or the light.
i always get people asking how i get up in the winter and sleep in the summer.when its time to get up i will and i work hard enough to be tired at the end of my day that sleeping in the light is not an issue.its all in your head.

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Jan Moss — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:56:47 GMT

Kudos to the writer. Wait, let me scroll up as this is one fine scribe and I want to remember her.
Ahhh, that's better. Thank you, Julia Sommerfeld. This article really hit my G-spot...several times.
First, I giggled, enjoyed it, and read on thinking,
mmmm, that was nice. Then, surprise. Once again. Only better. A second giggle was unexpected. Then, again. My, oh my. My eyes opened up a bit. Goodness. Once again. Wow. I started getting flushed. Feeling around the desk for my inhaler, it happened again, and again, and again. Well, you get the idea. I'll look forward to our next exchange. Now THAT'S communication.

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deep sleeper, Iowa — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:25:31 GMT

My problem with alarm clocks is in turning it off and then going back to sleep, often times doing this unkowingly until I wake up late. I had to install an alarm bell by the bed with the alarm shutoff in the next room.

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Loren, SF Bay Area, CA — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 02:32:30 GMT

That was highly entertaining.

Once upon a time, I saw an alarm clock that I wish I'd bought, as I never saw it again. The clock was contained inside a softball. The way you turned it off was to throw it at something.

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Nancy — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:00:34 GMT

The author's delayed sleep phase problems might be adjusted with using a 10,000 lux light early in the morning after waking. Many people have the genetics for being an owl (late night person) and are helped by resetting their circadian rhythms by light. For more info go to Dr. Daniel Kripke's website: brightenyourlife.info.

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Sarah A. Goetsch, Rothschild, WI — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:04:17 GMT

Julia,
Your writing in this article allowed me to daze off and feel like I was experiencing what you described.
I found myself laughing outloud too and am intrigued to try this "Sun Alarm". While I can get up to an alarm clock (and my husband is learning), This sounds like a very pleasurable way of waking up.
I shudder to think about either one of my >100 lb. Labs marching on my chest...but am willing to try this alarm to have a more soothing morning. Thank your husband for letting you try it out for the rest of us!

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Den, Missoula, MT — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:02:03 GMT

The article was great!! Thanks for the laugh and thanks for letting me (I'm a nocturnal one) know NOT to buy this alarm clock (I have to set 5 alarms to get up in the morning!)

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JS, Pennsylvania — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:31:48 GMT

We used this device to help teach our oldest son to stay in his bed until morning when we had transitioned him out of a crib. Sure enough, he'd come bounding in to our room at a reasonable time (still before 6am), all excited that his light had come on. We thought the device was worth the cost and the customer service folks at the company were quite nice.

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Amie Tworzydlo, CT — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:44:53 GMT

I laughed almost til I cried!!! Funny!! I thought about buying one of these, except instead of a dog doing doughnuts on me, it will be my 4 year old.

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Yamil, Ontario, Canada — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:27:18 GMT

OMG funniest review, couldn't stops laughing, I work at a call center and almost got fired for this... but wow good job :-)

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cindy,austin,tx — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:31:20 GMT

I'm suffering from flu.this article made me laugh out loud. thank you.

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peg — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:54:28 GMT

I love the dog and husband reaction. I have a regular alarm clock that wakes me up - but I wake up my husband because before I'm awake I'm yelling at the clock to shut up!

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Chris — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:23:45 GMT

Hilarious! I also need multiple extremely obnoxious alarm clocks, my problem being that I can get up and turn them off without ever achieving consciousness. I've resorted to putting alarm clocks scattered around my room and even under my bed in the hopes that the crawling would wake me up!

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Donna Abilene, Texas — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:53:11 GMT

Fantastic, entertaining review! I had to laugh at the mind picture I got thinking about my 2 Yorkies that ALREADY love to awaken early and irritate me until I get moving! I hate all alarms, I hate getting up (beats the alternative, I guess) so your review was priceless! Thanks

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rix mohay — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:49:29 GMT

I ahve long pondered this issue. I invented an alarm clock to dump ice water on you after the second snooze. That will get your donkey out of bed!!!

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Rach, Hong Kong — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:10:49 GMT

Hi Julie, very funny article... Enjoyed reading it! I'm a nocturnal person and find it sooo difficult to wake up in the mornings even though I really wish I could wake earlier. Thanks for the article!

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Linda, Jacksonville, FL — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:30:12 GMT

Hilarious! I'm a confirmed enemy of all alarm clocks, myself - having personally demolished several of them in the morning when they wouldn't turn off....

Looks like that won't change, but I laughed and laughed reading the review. Thanks for the entertainment!

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M in Portland, Ore. — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:54:54 GMT

If I wake up facing my window (which has blinds but is still the brightest part of the room), I'll have a near-migrane headache all day from the light. This alarm sounds like the worst possible option for me.
The only way I can wake up on time is to use my cell phone's MP3 player as an alarm, playing one specific song (You Are The One, by Shiny Toy Guns -- it's perfect), and put the phone in the bathroom so I have to get out of bed to turn it off.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

I. Starker, Paris, France — Sun, 11 May 2008 01:47:34 GMT

I have also been seen to put a pillow over my head when my Sunrise dawn comes up but I nevertheless I so prefer waking to dawn than noise. A lamp on each side of the bed is lovely. Have considered velcro-ing the pillow in place. (Although going to bed on time seems to fix the errant pillow problem.)

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

P Harris, Chelsea, AL — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:24:04 GMT

Your review made me laugh out loud and send my kids in the room trying to figure out what could cause such an outburst! We have 2 pomeranians that usually wake up at 5:30 a.m. Although I am not a morning person - since I usually don't get to sleep more than a few hours consecutively, I am used to waking up early to let the dogs out. I have a 7 year old, however, that would sleep through an explosion and is a struggle to wake up every morning for school - even with having 10-12 hours of sleep. I am definitely going to buy one of these for her room and see if it helps at all. My only proven alarm for her entails the two poms doing their own "gymnastics" routine on her bed. That's the one way that gets her awake and laughing at the same time.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Pam — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:41:19 GMT

I know this is probably too old to respond to...but I was rolling in laughter at the author's description of using this alarm clock. Construction work in the apartment over mine for 6 mos. ended my morning lateness forever. I now get to work EARLY. First time ever in 20 years.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Ann — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:26:26 GMT

I have a similar clock, and love it! Especially in the months when there is no sunlight in the mornings! My Aunt who suffers from seasonal affective disorder also has one, and says it helps with that too.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

lisa hampton va — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:33:51 GMT

Im at work reading this and laughing histariclly ....Im not a quiet laugher but I am a morning person I dont even need an alarm clock I just wake up 2 to 3 min before it goes off my husband on the other hand would sleep his life away if I didnt wake him up around 1 pm on the weekends . honestly i dont think this would work for anyone who hates to wake up there are just to many ways to get around it ...we sleep under a huge light impermiable blanket .

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

PAB, St. Petersburg, FL — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:40:14 GMT

That was hysterical! But I will say, being a night owl, I have murdered many an alarm clock. Over time I have learned to just wake up naturally, light or not. I wake the same time every day, no problem. It's a training thing.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Melanie, Minot ND — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 03:46:47 GMT

I have a similar clock that I thought would be a wonderful, peaceful way to wake up; not so much. At first I enjoyed how easily I was awakened by just a little light until I started waking up as soon as the light came on (i.e. 30 minutes EARLY). Not good for someone who hates getting up. I would end up turning of the alarm and oversleeping. It now sits on my shelf unplugged, and life is much happier.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Jen, Las Vegas, NV — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 05:08:45 GMT

TOO FUNNY! I can't stop laughing....

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Sailor, Washington, DC — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:07:08 GMT

Oh my gosh, that was one of the funniest stories I've read in some time - you are brilliant. :)

Thanks for the laughter.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Carol, North Lima, Ohio — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:15:15 GMT

I don't know about the clock - waking up stinks. Period. But the review is hysterical. I loved it!

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Bonnie , Colorado — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:40:51 GMT

I agree with the person who commented that it takes more than a week to adjust to this clock. I have used this alarm clock for several months now and love it! I must rise early for work and was always so irritated to be jolted out of a sound sleep by the sound of my usual alarm. I still don't enjoy getting up early, but this is much nicer.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Kronah — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:30:54 GMT

The best alarm clock I had was taking my vitamins everyday, going to bed at a reasonable hour everyday, taking half a caffine pill with an antihistamine and a controled otc nasal decongestant at least 30 mins before bed and waking up at the same time to the same loud alarm clock sound with an infinate snooze every 5 minutes set to a time way before I need to get up. This is the best method I've developed to tame the late sleeper I am.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Jakeman Central Florida — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:19:38 GMT

Personally I am not in need of a 'nuclear alarm clock'. Julia, that is the funniest review I have ever read, and the tears of laughter are still wet on my cheek as I write this reply. Great job.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Debra, New York, NY — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:33:07 GMT

the review is quite funny! I have a "Moonbeam" clock, which is an old Big Ben clock from 1950 that's been reintroduced. You can get it online and in a bunch of pretty colors from LLBean. What it does is flash a light at your designated time, and if that doesn't wake you, an alarm goes off five or so minutes later. I find waking up to a light much less jarring than an alarm. The only problem with it is that the clock itself has a constant brightly lit face, to the point that it's too bright for me to sleep. So I cover it with a denim napkin. Yes, kinda silly, but the flashing light still wakes me in the morning, and if I wake in the night I know to peer under the napkin to check the time. I wish they'd come out with a new version that allows you to adjust the brightness of the face, but I'm still happy with my Moonbeam, I've been using it for five years or more. And it's an adorable vintage design.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Lauren, Melbourne, Australia — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:12:48 GMT

This is the most hilarious (and true) review I have ever read. I laughed so hard I had trouble breathing. I bought a similar alarm clock to this hoping for a calm, lovely morning awakening. Instead I slept through the alarm and when I woke up late, I was blinded. I saw white spots in my eyes for the next half hour. I packaged it back into its little box, drove to the shop & pretended like I hadn't used it. Refund!!

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Highly Amused, Flagstaff AZ — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:50:38 GMT

Wow... thank you. I needed that laugh. I'm a night person too and have yet to make it to my job on time. I'll never understand morning people... but of course, they're all zombies when we have to stay late and I'm bouncing off the walls :). Great product review.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Carla, PA — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:21:11 GMT

I bet I'd sleep through this thing!!! Nothing short of a nuclear holocaust can wake me in the morning. I've tried just about every clock out there; I sleep through them all...I have literally even slept through a tornado less than 1000 feet from my house!!! I've always been and always will be a night owl, no matter how much light you shine in my face. When I was a teenager, I had a morning person for a best friend...she'd get up, turn the light on, jump on my bed, and start signing in a really annoying voice, and it still took her at least half an hour to get me out of bed. And it gets worse as I get older! I'm currently in my 20s...and I bet I'll be the next thing to a vegetable by the time I'm 50 yrs old! Either that or I'll only be up when the sun is not. I think my circadian rhythm is messed up...but then again, I think there's a lot more than that that's messed up with me.

Rise and shine? Well, not exactly

Chris, Roanoke, VA — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:23:19 GMT

I re-read this review sometimes when I need a good laugh, well done. Incidently I too am a night person...being at work at 10am is hard for me, but being awake at 1am is sooo easy lol...