When you wake up in the morning and it is grey and raining all you want to do is turn of the alarm and go back to sleep. However we all know how much better your day is when you are woken up by sunlight filtering through the blinds rather than a shrill alarm demanding you get up - you spring out of bed with yeehaa and go about what you know is going to be a great day.

The Lumi clock brings a sunny wake up call on dark mornings. It gradually lights over the space of about 20 minutes to gradually stir you from slumber - much like the sun rising. There is an audio alarm in case you want to be extra careful of not sleeping in, though I find I usually wake before this goes off. I must admit I was sceptical at first but for me it genuinely did work and it is much more pleasant to wake up "naturally" than to be shocked awake by an alarm. I felt that I had had a much better nights sleep as I did not feel my sleep was interrupted by a sudden noise.

It also has the opposite mode whereby you can set the light to act like sunset - this is a very relaxing way to drop off at night. So whether you have problems falling asleep or waking up this is a great product.

I have used the Lumie clock for about 2 years and have only now realised just how effective it is as my boyfriend actually broke it about a week ago. I hate waking up to the sound of a mobile phone alarm but I guess I will just have to get used to it until I can afford to get another Lumie.

At £50+ it may seem very expensive for an alarm clock but I would say the benefits outweigh the cost.