Dawn Simulator

Dawn Simulator "SunUp"

by Pi Square Inc.

For millennia, human beings have awakened to the gradual coming of dawn and then fallen asleep under the slow transition of dusk to starlight. Simulated dawns in the bedroom foster spontaneous awakening with increased alertness at the chosen time of "sunrise."

Simulated dusks at bedtime can promote sleep onset and reduce reliance on sleeping pills. Dawn simulation is efficient for treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), since it takes place toward the end of sleep and does not require extra time after you wake up.

Our system has been tested successfully in a series of clinical trials sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Some people find dawn simulation all they need to combat the winter blues, while others use it to help wake up, followed by bright light therapy for an extra boost. The effect is like sleeping outdoors in a tent, although you control the timing of sunrise. (Think of a springtime sunrise in midwinter, when it is still dark outside….)

Don’t confuse the "SunUp" with so-called “dawn alarm clocks” that have been marketed without data support and provide only limited lighting. An essential feature of the "SunUp" is your ability to control the light level, duration and broad field of dawn illumination, which is very important for finding the best combination for your individual needs. The unit may be used with incandescent/halogen light fixtures up to 400 watts. See our recommendation in the section below.

Configuring your Dawn Simulation System

To assemble a complete dawn simulation system, you will need a diffuse, filtered incandescent/halogen light source that broadly illuminates your pillow area without exposure to the naked bulb. (Fluorescent sources will not work.) The lamp fixture plugs into the Dawn Dusk Simulator control box, which varies the voltage output to create the naturalistic outdoor lighting pattern. Since it is located beside your bed, the fixture needs to be sturdy and safe – and of course you will want it to be an attractive addition to your bedroom. CET has evaluated a wide range of devices, and we refer you here to our first choice: the LightSource Model LS-80978PS. It is available on the Web at a discount price of 198.16, but we urge you to comparison shop. To examine specifications and order this fixture, click here. The company is independent of CET, and its web page will open in a separate window. Please return to our site when you’re finished.

Instructions for use of the LS-80978PS with the Dawn-Dusk Simulator control box: Do not use the separate dimmer cable that comes with the fixture. Instead, plug the main lamp cable directly into the control box power output receptacle. Place the floor stand about 2-3 feet to the side of your bed, and tilt and tighten the articulating arm so the downward lamp lens aims toward your pillow from a distance of about 36 inches (1 yard). There is no need for the arm and lamp to extend over your bed. Take care to position the device so you can smoothly enter and leave your bed in full darkness without bumping into the floor stand, articulating arm or reflector unit. The amount of light you receive is adjustable by varying the distance of the lamp from your pillow.

Price includes shipping to the continental United States. For Maryland customers, a 6% sales tax will be added to your total. Currently, the Dawn Simulator "SunUp" is only available in the US and Canada. European distribution is pending.