New Wake-up Light to provide pleasant wake-up experience

According to a recent survey, an overwhelming 60 percent of Americans are not satisfied with their current way of waking up. Recognizing the need for a better way to start the day, especially with the arrival of daylight saving, Philips has announced today the launch of its Wake-up Light - an innovative product that provides a more pleasant wake-up experience. At the same time, Philips - a leader in health & well-being with a proven track record in sleep solutions - has teamed up with the National Sleep Foundation to launch a unique education campaign that illustrates the impact a healthy "sleep and wake-up" routine can have as well as ways to help everyone feel like a morning person - even on dark, cold mornings when it's often difficult to get out of bed.

The Philips Wake-up Light is an alarm clock that simulates a natural sunrise to make waking up more enjoyable and energizing. Research has shown a slow dawn effect is clinically proven to have an impact on quality of awakening, subsequent energy levels at the start of your day, and improves mood compared to traditional loud alarm clocks that tend to jolt the body to wake.

"Light is a critical element to the daily sleep/wake cycle," states Jacopo D'Alessandris, Vice-President of Marketing North America, Philips Consumer Lifestyle. "The Philips Wake-up Light is great for those who are tired of waking up to the sound of a jarring alarm clock and want to positively improve their daily wake-up routine. Using it can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to peel back the sheets to get out of bed, and start the day with renewed energy."

The recent survey conducted by Philips also found that nine in ten people hit the snooze button at least once before being able to get out of bed. For those who need the extra nine minutes of slumber, the Philips Wake-up Light may be an ideal solution to establishing a more natural routine. The light gradually turns on 30 minutes before the programmed wake up time, preparing the body to wake up feeling well-rested. At the end of the 30-minute period, there is the option of four natural sounds (chirping birds, a gentle beep, African jungle sounds or soft chimes), FM radio or music from an iPod(®) and iPhone(®) (Wake-up Light Music version only). In addition to the sunrise simulator, the Wake-up Light also features a dusk simulator that can be incorporated into a nighttime routine to help prepare for sleep.

Philips/National Sleep Foundation Program

Many people recognize the importance of getting a good night's sleep, however the wake-up experience is often overlooked, and this is an equally important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To educate the public about the benefits of proper "sleep hygiene," Philips has paired up with the National Sleep Foundation to execute a series of initiatives to help people establish a healthy sleep and wake-up routine. The National Sleep Foundation has developed the Sleep Pyramid, a concept created in conjunction with Philips that is a unique resource to illustrate sleep advice and tips to achieve a more positive sleep/wake-up environment.

"We are delighted to be working with Philips on this exciting sponsorship," said David Cloud, Chief Executive Officer, National Sleep Foundation. "The Wake-up Light, in conjunction with the simple guidelines found in the Sleep Pyramid, can help people and improve their overall sleep and waking habits. Good sleep hygiene includes better appreciation of and exposure to light at the right time of day."

Tips from the Sleep Pyramid include:

1. Develop Morning Rituals to Wake Up Refreshed: Increasing exposure to light in the morning can help you be alert, especially when combined with other morning rituals, such as stretching, a cup of coffee and planning the day ahead. Try to get out in the morning sun as your alertness can depend on exposure to natural light.
2. Manage Your Sleep-Wake Cycle: The first light of each day sets your schedule for your natural sleep-wake cycle. Gradually maximizing exposure to light each morning and gradually reducing exposure to light in the evening will help you get the sleep you need. The Philips Wake-up Light - a premium alarm clock that simulates a natural sunrise - is a good way to enhance your wake-up experience and morning routine, as it provides a more pleasant, refreshed wake-up and gives you the energy you need to start your day. It also features a dusk simulator to help prepare you for sleep at night.
3. Establish Evening Rituals for Going to Sleep: Relaxing activities before bedtime help separate sleep time from excitement, stress and anxiety. Reading a book, soaking in a hot bath or listening to soothing music away from bright lights can help signal you that it is time to sleep.
4. Reserve Your Bedroom for Sleep: Keep work and other distractions out of your bedroom. Making your bedroom a sanctuary for rejuvenation will strengthen your positive association between your bedroom and sleep.
5. Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Design your bedroom to be cool, dark, quiet, comfortable and free of interruptions. Choose a quality mattress that is right for you and the way you sleep.

The Philips Wake-up Light is available in two versions - Wake-up Light Premium ($169.99) and Wake-up Light Music ($199.99) - and is now available on amazon.com.