As the infamous Blue Monday looms (not just a catchy song by New Order), January’s melancholy is all too real. The gloomy mornings, lacklustre weather, and dwindling bank accounts create a less-than-ideal start to the year.

Yet, amidst this gloom, hope shines through. While exercising, eating well, staying social, and practising self-care can boost your spirits, they don’t quite combat the persistent darkness stretching from December to March.

This seasonal shift often triggers Winter Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterised by increased tiredness, extended sleep, and weight gain. The Royal College of Psychiatrists likens it to hibernation in animals.

But can you alleviate the effects of SAD?

Enter SAD lights and sunrise alarm clocks. These gadgets simulate a gradual sunrise, easing you awake without the jolt of traditional alarms. Light therapy, long used to treat SAD (affecting roughly one in 15 people), has become more accessible through these devices, regardless of whether you suffer from the disorder or not.

Here’s a roundup of the top SAD lights and sunrise alarm clocks for a glowing start to every day:

1. Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock: Boasting a 30-minute wake light transition and soothing sounds, it’s both stylish and functional.
2. Beurer WL50 Wake Up Light: Packed with features like adjustable light levels, multiple wake-up tunes, and mood lighting, it offers a versatile wake-up experience.
3. Lumie Sunrise Wake-up Alarm with Sunset Sleep Feature: With a gradual 30-minute light influx and various alarm sounds (including nature sounds), it provides a gentle start to the day.
4. Beurer TL 30 Ultra Daylight SAD Light: A compact, budget-friendly lamp ideal for a focused workday, even if placed at a distance.
5. Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Sunrise Simulation: Offering different brightness settings and a ‘midnight light,’ it’s a versatile choice, despite slightly fiddly buttons.
6. Lumie Vitamin L Slim SAD Light: Delivering 10,000 lux of light intensity, this option ensures a potent mood boost while remaining unobtrusive in your daily routine.

These devices offer varying features and intensities, providing opportunities to brighten your mornings and potentially mitigate the impact of the January blues.