WAKE up to a New Year in style with this top of the range alarm clock which combines smell, sound and light to arouse you from a deep slumber naturally.
Well, that is the concept of the Opus, which is a modern version of a traditional alarm clock.
Giving the heave to the dreaded buzz which many of us fear at the start to each day, the Opus promises to wake the body in a more gentle manner.
But does it work? And does a fusion of light, sound and smell really have an effect on the way we wake up or is the more traditional buzzing sound just as effective?
Well, in a bid to try out the theory of the Opus and give our readers the best start to every early rise in the New Year, our Tried and Tested reporter Jenna MacCulloch put the clock the test. It's time to find out the results...
I don't do mornings...
FOR some odd reason, I don't appear to have got over my teenage years when it comes to sleep. I am 27, yet in the mornings I still feel as though I'm 15-years-old, minus my mother pulling my duvet over my head in a weak attempt to get me out of my bed.
I believed that stage in my life would pass when I was in my 20s, got a proper job and even thought I would be one of those people who went to the gym before work. How wrong I was.
Yes, safe to say 12 years on, my mornings are still just as chaotic. They consist of my alarm going off, being put on snooze for at least half an hour, before my partner telephones me in a last-ditch attempt to make sure I plan on getting out of my bed on weekdays. I am a self-confessed nightmare in the mornings and although managing to be at work on time, I cut it fine, with no chance of a morning tea or breakfast before I leave the house.
So, you could say I was the Opus's ultimate challenge.
Setting up the Opus
ASSEMBLING the Opus alarm clock was easy with step by step instructions showing the way. Water is poured into the top of the alarm clock, along with a couple of drops of your favourite scent (three of which come with the clock), before putting the lid back on.
I opted for "Calm" which was pleasant and made my bedroom reminiscent of an aromatherapy parlour, in a positive way.
Setting the time and the alarm using arrows on either side of the clock was also a doddle and the features of the clock, including the changing colour lamp and the "mist" which dishes out sprays of air freshener can be switched on or off.
The Opus alarm clock really does have a modern feel and would fit right in a minimal feel home or a modern bedroom.
How does it work?
ACCORDING to sleep experts, being woken up by a screeching alarm clock can put undue stress on the body. Using the ancient practice of aromatherapy and by mimicking a natural wake-up pattern incorporating "sunrise" and natural fragrances, the Opus is designed to wake the body up naturally.
What happens in the morning?
I WAS quite excited after setting up the Opus on my dressing table to see what would happen in the morning. And I wasn't disappointed either. Around 10 minutes before my alarm was due to go off, I could hear the natural sounds of water trickling and smelt my calming fragrance, gently waking me from my sleep. The lamp changed colours naturally and before my alarm went off I was certainly awake. This never happens, ever. And when the alarm did go off, it was to an orangey red light, with birds chirping in the background. What a treat from my old, slightly frightening alarm.
I didn't get up straight away, but I got up after around 10 minutes, which for me is slightly miraculous. And when my partner phoned and could hear the shower already on in the background, the sound of shock in his voice was obvious! I was impressed, simple as that.
One week later...
I'VE been using the alarm for around a week now and it really does keep getting better. I am most definitely awake before the alarm goes off, and although not springing out of bed (that would take a change of personality that no alarm clock is capable of), I am more awake. That extra 10 minutes gives me time to have a cup of tea before leaving for work and I do feel better for it. I will certainly be keeping with my Opus alarm clock and won't be converting back to my old screeching alarm anytime soon.
I was sceptical about the alarm but I have been pleasantly surprised. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
It is expensive - but guaranteed to get you to wherever you need to go on time. I can't argue with that!
4/5
Fact File
* Opus alarm clock
* RRP £79.99
* Fragrance oils £3.99 each
* Available from www.madebyzen.com
