Dawn Simulator

Dawn Simulator "Sunrise System"

by Gullwing Ltd.

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 replicates research units that were tested 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 Sunrise System with so-called “dawn alarm clocks” that have been marketed without data support and provide only limited lighting. An essential feature of the Sunrise System is your ability to control the light level, duration and broad field of dawn illumination, which is very important for finding the correct combination for your individual needs. The unit may be used with incandescent/halogen light fixtures up to 200 watts (US model) or 300 watts (European model). See our recommendation for a broad-field lamp fixtures in the section below.

With their order, CET customers will receive specific guidelines for therapeutic use of the dawn simulator for depression and sleep treatment, written by CET experts.

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 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 top choices: the LightSource Model LS-80978. It is available in the US on several the Web stores at various prices, so we urge you to comparison shop. Google the model number to check out the sites, or click here for a price comparison chart.

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.