Get Out Of Bed, Sleepyhead!


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I’m probably not alone in struggling to leave my cosy bed and get ready for work on these cold, dark mornings.

Can it really be not so long ago that we were sharing tips with each other on keeping cool in summer’s hot, sticky nights?

About 15 years ago I bought a light box and a dawn alarm clock for my daughter. She has fibromyalgia, and the lack of sunlight can be a trigger.

But SAD affects us all. There’s a reason for the phrase “the winter blues”!

What we found was that the light box was (and still is) incredibly powerful. So much so that its use is rationed in the evening, otherwise it interferes with sleep.

But the alarm clock – aah. By raising the light in the room gradually before the alarm call actually goes on, it can result in a much gentler, kinder way to wake up. Unless you really love your bed!

I was so impressed I ended up buying one for myself. And then one as a gift for my son, who was having to get up at 5 to go to his work. I get teased: “do I get commission from the makers?”

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Well, of course not. I just believe those of us in the northern hemisphere ought to be issued them for free!

So I’m delighted to see that the “Friend” has six clocks to be won in our November 4 issue.

I hope you enter – and I hope you’re lucky enough to win one!

For some health tips from our experts, click here.

Margaret Scott

Margaret is a sub-editor within the Production Team on the "Friend". Her main job is to work on the stories and make sure the magazine leaves us in its best possible guise. When not doing that, however, she either has her head buried in the old “Friend” volumes or is out and about giving talks or going on Warner trips (fab!). She hates cheese.