Philips Wake-Up Light Nudges You Awake Gently

I’m sure I’m not the only one that dreads the ear-piercing screech of the alarm clock to the point of deep, stomach-knotting anxiety. Many a night of sleep has been shattered by a sudden cold-sweat-infused awakening because I dreamt that I caught that first fateful note. That’s usually about 25 minutes before the alarm actually goes off, so my night ends a little early. Thankfully, there’s a better way–the Philips Wake-up Light Alarm HF3490. Instead of the sudden burst of hideous noise, the HF3490 cajoles you awake using a gentle increase in light, much the way the sun slowly rises over the wildlife outdoors and inspires harmonious chirping and nibbling at dew-soaked grass. The alarm doubles as an iPod dock and also includes an FM radio and nature sounds to complement the light. Of course, many of us could save the $200 and get much the same effect by leaving the shade up, but for those that can’t, preorders are available now. [via Slippery Brick]