For many of us, squeezing in a run is only possible if it’s done first thing in the morning. That might be a bit easier during the summer months when the sun rises earlier, but what about those dark winter mornings? What happens if you just find it difficult to get up and at ‘em, even when you know you’ll feel better for getting a run in before work?
Enter our favourite new running alarm clocks. Known as sunrise alarms, light clocks or light alarm clocks, these are best way to wake up naturally since we started sleeping inside four walls, away from a natural sunrise.
Light-based running alarm clocks work by gradually increasing the light in your bedroom, to mimic the increasing light of dawn and sunrise. The increasing light reaches the melatonin receptors in your eyes, which stimulates cortisol production. This naturally stimulates you to wake up as the hormones reach their natural peak.
The light starts off at a dim setting (similar to a warm glow of a bedside table lamp) and gradually increases in brightness until it seems you’ve stepped out into a cloudless summer day. It works to help you feel alert and refreshed, even if you’ve had somewhat limited sleep the night before.
These running alarm clocks are not a panacea for a chronic lack of sleep, but they should help to alleviate some of the grogginess and lethargy that comes from waking up in the dark. Experts say that the time it takes for the light alarm clock to wake you up (around 30 minutes on average) isn’t quite enough sunlight to get your whole system online, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you’re heading outside for a run.
If you can’t schedule extra sleep, reduce screen time before bed (as that also emits the wake-up light your melatonin receptors read), and consider getting a light alarm clock that also emits sunset-style down-lighting when you go to bed. In any case, using one of these has got to be better than a blaring beeping that hauls you into consciousness, right?
About Enertor Advanced Technology Insoles – Enertor insoles are designed to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. Designed by leading podiatrists to reduce your risk of injury, the unique design features support your foot throughout training. Enertor insoles are enhanced by D3O impact protection technology, which means they can provide more shock absorption than any other insole. Our expertise, combined with the patented D3O shock absorption technology, enables Enertor to deliver the most advanced injury prevention insoles on the market today.
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Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site.
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