Canadians embrace November 1st time change with new Philips Wake-up Light

Waking up with light improves energy level, sleep patterns and mood

MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 27 /CNW/ - Don't dread the time change this fall; embrace the mornings and wake up more naturally with the new Philips Wake-up Light alarm clock. An estimated 3.3 million Canadians have problems going to sleep or staying asleep(i), and with the days getting shorter and less natural light in the fall and winter months it becomes increasingly difficult to wake up feeling energetic and refreshed.

Studies have shown that light plays a crucial role in waking up more naturally(ii),(iii) which can increase energy and improve overall mood. Recognizing the need for a better way to start the day, Philips has launched the Wake-up Light - an innovative new product that simulates a natural sunrise providing a more pleasant wake up experience no matter what time of year.

"Many people consider 'sleep problems' as only affecting sleep itself. However, the strategies used for waking up may also play a key role in your overall sleep cycle," says Dr. James MacFarlane , Director of Education at the Toronto Sleep Institute and board member at the Canadian Sleep Society. "Waking up more peacefully and naturally with light can help you feel less stressed and less groggy, especially at the start of your day. Ensuring you have a consistent wake up time also improves your chance of better sleep the following night."

For most of us, the annoying buzz of a traditional alarm clock is an all-too-familiar sound which gets our blood pressure racing and can even induce stress. The Philips Wake-up Light is a great alternative way to wake up and establish a more natural sleep routine. Simulating a natural sunrise, the unit gradually starts to illuminate 30 minutes before your desired 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 including chirping birds, a gentle ringing, jungle drums or soft chimes. An additional option for FM radio is also available.

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. Similar to the waking up function, the dusk simulator slowing decreases the amount of light over a 30 minute period, offering a more natural, relaxing way to fall asleep.

The Philips Wake-Up Light is available at retailers across Canada for a suggested price of $189.99 . For more information, visit www.philips.ca.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands , Philips employs more than 118,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

    
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    (i)    2002 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), Statistics Canada
    (ii)   Leppamaki S., Meesters Y., Haukka J., Lonnqvist J., Partonen T.
           Effect of simulated dawn on quality of sleep a -community- based
           trial, 2003.
    (iii)  Meesters Y., Beersma D.G.M., Partonen T.T. The effects of dawn
           simulation in healthy subjects. University of Groningen,
           University of Helsinki, Finland; 1997.
    

For further information: Philips, Court Elliott, [phone], [email protected]; MS&L Worldwide, Lauren Baswick, [phone], [email protected]