And, of course, on those dark days when the sun is hidden behind heavy clouds it would be so pleasant to sleep peacefully through a day that might have been a hectic experience at work or housekeeping. And in northern climates where the sun in winter rises at about 10 am it would be such a blessing to have a five hour work day.

Sand you would have a backup alarm clock that way you wouldnt be in trouble youd just set it ten minutes late. You wouldnt miss out on a day only 10 minutes

Since you are so averse to sound to wake up bright spotlight tied to a timer would nicely simulate the Sun for your purposes. A practical backup, also quite quiet, would tip your bed to a 90 degree angle to dump you into a warm bath next to your bed. A great start to a day!

You can have this now if you want to spend the time programming your computer and buying the programable shades. Google "home automation", there is a good line of products that can be programmed to do exactly what you want. There is a clock feature which takes in account where you live and exactly when the sun will crack the horizon in your neck of the woods.

I agree -- I want the shades down at night but love waking up to the sun. How do you make it so it doesn't make any noise though?

Katie im not 100% sure how but i think it could be not noisy by making it reel up slowley and trying to reduce friction both inside it with the mechanics and out side of it with the shades rubbing against something

They do make alarm clocks with lights that go up and down on a time.

Sorry, this one kind of creeps me out

http://www.smarthome.com/_/Solar_Energy_Savers/Remote_Control_Windows_Coverings/_/P/1SR/nav.aspx?v=dv