Early classes can seem killer. However, what's more frightening than your 8:30 am class, is your alarm clock.
University life does not make waking up early very easy. Your housemates may stay up late, study sessions often run well into the night, and many social events happen during the evening.
At times, 8:30 a.m. classes can seem impossible to attend and easier to skip. However, it may be your alarm clock, not your class time, having an influence on how you feel about early mornings.
Research from the National Institute of Industrial Health provides evidence that waking up to a startling noise can have negative effects on your health in multiple ways. Traditional alarm clocks typically blare loud, disorienting noises. These noises can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, despite their popularity.
Routinely using loud alarm clocks also creates a chronic ‘fight or flight’ adrenaline response early in the morning which is associated with cardiovascular issues, long-term stress, and depression. Making matters worse, being jolted awake often produces a groggy feeling that is difficult to shake off, negatively impacting cognitive performance and alertness.
In the winter semester, Queen’s students with early classes are often up before the sun has risen. Most students rely on shrilling alarms, as it is difficult to wake up naturally without the sun’s bright light.
The Solution (*this is not a sponsored message!)
Sunrise alarm clocks provide an alternative solution to improve sleep-wake cycles, mood and overall well-being to ensure you get to class on time without relying on a traditional alarm clock.
Sunrise alarm clocks work by combining a digital alarm clock with an artificial light source to simulate the natural daylight from sunrise. These clocks tap into our circadian physiology, through gradual exposure to increasingly brighter light over a short period of time (typically 20 minutes) to wake you up.
Research from the National Library of Medicine provides evidence that sunrise alarm clocks produce an “alerting effect and help reset the circadian rhythm to keep humans biologically synchronized with the 24-hour day-night cycle.” Alert wake ups make 8:30 a.m. classes a whole lot easier.
Most devices range in price, from approximately 10 to 20 dollars, and are available for purchase online. For fully effective use, sunrise alarm clocks should be positioned in a way that allows the light to hit your eyes and kept out of arm’s reach.
Importantly, it is essential to acknowledge that sunrise alarm clocks are not the only solution to overcome difficulties getting out of bed. Sunrise alarm clocks can be helpful for people with conditions such as delayed sleep-phase syndrome, and seasonal affective disorder, but do not replace a healthcare professional.
If someone is experiencing extreme fatigue, it is highly recommended that they speak to a healthcare professional, as there may be other factors impacting their ability to feel well-rested and achieve quality sleep.
Wake up to your own sunrise and get your worm at your 8:30 class.
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About the author. Emily Sowa is a second year psychology student at Queen’s University. With a special interest in clinical psychology, Emily is passionate about psychological research, and sharing her findings to help improve the well-being of others. When she is not writing, she can be found hiking, baking, reading, or biking.