Photo: Raquel Diniz Wake is our attempt to re-establish the sacredness of sleep and bring back analogue calm into the digital age – Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio

Design firm Heatherwick Studio and British lighting brand Tala have teamed up to create a sleep light called Wake.

The new light is the first product in Tala’s smart lighting range. It is designed based on cutting-edge sleep science to provide a calming way to wind down and wake up.

The light is crafted from hand-spun ceramic and pressed glass, behind which a gentle light emanates to improve sleep routines and wellbeing. 

Wake has a rotating tactile dial that allows users to adjust sunrise and sunset-inspired lighting settings.

The product also plays a range of curated soundscapes, from rhythmic alphorn wake-up tones to recordings from rainforests. 

Wake integrates with an accompanying Tala app to help users create personalised sleep routines and seamless smart home integration.

Josh Ward, co-founder of Tala, said: "Light is the strongest cue for our circadian clock, yet our bedrooms and routines are often filled with disruptors. Wake draws on sleep science to simulate a gradual, biologically effective sunrise, blending warm-to-bright light with calming nature sounds. 

“This gentle approach replaces harsh alarms and helps you wake in a natural and restorative way,” added Ward. “It also supports low-light evening wind-downs that promote melatonin release and encourage healthier rituals around rest.”

Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said: “In the realm of sleep, the digital revolution has been wreaking havoc. Instead of your bedroom being a calm, intimate place for recuperation, your entire world of messaging, news and entertainment is right next to you, beckoning for your attention.

“Wake is our attempt to re-establish the sacredness of sleep and bring back analogue calm into the digital age,” added Heatherwick. “It’s an alternative form of bedside light and alarm, made from natural materials, that uses light, touch, and sound to rid ourselves of yet more plasticky tech devices – and instead conjures up nature to help restore sleep to its rightful place in our lives.”