I know what you mean about the mild S.A.D. mate - have you tried one of those sunrise alarm clocks? I did, they were good, but they emit a slight buzzing which kept waking the missus up...
Something which helped me trying to aim for no booze everyweek (reducing morning lethargy) and aiming to be in bed by 10pm and up at 6am and then not bashing snooze on the alarm.
Oh and a sunny holiday helped too!