Dawn simulators are good, light boxes are better for late-winter SAD

Dawn-simulating alarm clocks can help with late-winter SAD, but they’re not as potent as a standard morning light box.

Here’s the difference: a dawn simulator gradually brightens over 30–60 minutes before you wake, mimicking a natural sunrise. A light box hits you with 10,000 lux of bright white light all at once, typically for 20–30 minutes while you sit near it.

Studies show dawn simulators