Sunrise, Sunset.

The morning sunrise is one of the most spectacular views in the world. If I had my way I would watch the sunrise everyday. However, my problem is that I like to sleep. Actually, I love to sleep and the thought of pulling myself out of bed on most mornings before the sun is shining is not a sunny one. I need a minimum of eight hours a night if I am going to be able to function during the day. Since I can't wake up and watch the sunrise everyday (and where I live, the view of the sun rising is not so good) I have discovered the next best thing to watching the sunrise. Ok, so I may be exaggerating slightly, but I really have found a wonderful alternative to watching the actual sunrise.

The BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock allows you to wake to a gradually increasing light rather than a horrible beeping noise. I have found that waking to a slowly increasing light can result in a smoother, more natural transition to wakefulness. Studies have shown that simulated dawn may help people feel more refreshed and wake in a better mood. The body is very sensitive to light in the early morning and therefore responds to fairly dim levels of light even through closed eyelids. Humans evolved to wake to the sun, so it is thought that the gradually increasing light sends the body the message that it is time to wake. With the BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock this happens gently and naturally, a great improvement over the jarring sound made by my alarm. I like to pretend that I am watching the sunrise as I wake each morning.

The BioBrite Sunrise Alarm Clock features an audible back-up alarm, the ability to set dawn and dusk cycles of 15, 30, 60, or 90 minutes, opal glass globe gives a soothing glow, dimmable bedside light for reading or soft lighting, intelligent LCD digital display fades to very low level when you want to sleep and a bonus security option so light comes on at random intervals from 4-11pm as if the house is occupied.

I have had this machine for over 6 months now and I can honestly say that I can't live without it. I love that I am no longer dreading the morning because now I wake up gradually to a soft light, my sunrise.

Sleep Problems in Children

Children of any age can have a variety of sleep problems. Some of the most common sleeping problems seen in children include waking up several times during the night, talking in their sleep, have problems falling to sleep, waking up in tears, being sleepy throughout the day, nightmares, bed wetting, and even waking up early.

The majority of sleep problems in children is related to anxiety about falling asleep (separation from parents) and poor sleep habits.

Both of these causes can be distinguished with a bedtime routine and the creation of a sleep environment. If these tips do not help, then you may need to seek professional help as the problem may be related to emotional problems.

A bedtime routine should include quiet time at least thirty minutes prior to bedtime. This time should also be quality time with one or both parents and can include a relaxing bath, reading a book, or even cuddling and listening to soft soothing music.

To create a sleep environment you will need to ensure all toys and distractions are taken from the room or put away in a closet. It is best if you have another room that can be used as a playroom, if not teach your child to put away their toys in the closet. They will learn that play time is during the daylight hours and that the toys need a rest period as well, at least while they are young.

The room should not be overly bright. You can use such things as a white noise machine to help in absorbing all the sounds that might be awaking your child in the middle of the night. Ensure your little one that you are nearby and that you will be there when the sun begins to shine. One great way to teach your child this concept is with a Biobrite Sunrise Clock Junior. This alarm clock uses light therapy. The sunlight created by the clock will slowly fade away and in the morning, it will slowly begin to shine just as the sun. This will help your child understand when it is time to rise. You can set the clock so you know you will up and ready to begin your day when your little one is awake.

With the help of a sleep noise machine or a sunrise alarm clock, your child will begin to adjust to sleeping the night and waking up rested.