5 Clever Ways you can use Your Amazon Alexa Devices to Help you Sleep Better — 'They Revolutionize Your Night Time Routine!'
If you don't have an Amazon Echo device in your bedroom yet, you'll definitely want to after learning about these genius functions
Who doesn't want a better night's rest? No matter how much we invest in the best luxury bedding or the most supportive materials, sometimes we just can't seem to finesse a sleep routine that helps us wake up feeling refreshed.
That's because our nighttime rituals have a much bigger impact on our sleep quality than many of us realize, and another thing you probably don't realize is that your Amazon Alexa device can help. Your smart speaker has plenty of clever functions conducive to a deep slumber, so if you haven't yet got one in your bedroom, now is the time.
'We all have our individual bedtime rituals – from sleeping in a pitch-black room or with a night light, listening to audiobooks or nodding off to the sounds of whales or rain - everyone’s evening is a little different,' says Meryem Tom, UK Managing Director at Amazon Alexa. 'For those looking for something to help them drift off a bit quicker, there are some brilliant Alexa features to have an Alex-cellent night’s sleep.'
From dimming the lights to playing your favorite sleep-inducing sounds before bed, here are five ways you can use your Amazon Alexa device to sleep better ahead of World Sleep Day.
1. Use sleep sounds to soothe you to sleep
From pink to white and - these days - nearly every color in between, colored noise is all the rage when it comes to getting a better night's sleep (and for the skeptics, there's science to prove it). Whether you're partial to the fuzzy sound of white noise or prefer relaxing whale sounds, Alexa’s free Sleep Jar skill plays calming sounds to help you sleep more peacefully.
With a variety of ambient sounds to choose from, including rain, thunderstorms, ocean sounds and more, simply say 'Alexa, play white noise' or 'Alexa, play nature sounds' to ease you into the sleepy zone.
2. Drift off to an audiobook
Picking up a book before bed can be a great way to switch off, but if you want to give your eyes a break, you can let Alexa read from its selection of free short stories. Just say 'Alexa, read me a nighttime story', or ask it to resume your audiobook through a subscription service such as Audible or Spotify.
If you prefer some calming music as a bedtime ritual instead of a pacy novel that keeps you awake past midnight, Alexa can offer that, too. Simply put on your selected nighttime playlist or ask Alexa to play a relaxing music station.
3. Set up an automated bedtime routine
Speaking of bedtime routines, you can use your Alexa device to personalize your own nightly ritual. Whether you opt for sleep-inducing sounds or a relaxing audiobook to cue you to sleep, use your Amazon device to set sleep timers that automatically turn the sounds off after a certain amount of time to avoid any distractions interrupting your REM sleep.
4. Let guided meditation relax you
There's no need to splash out on a spa membership to get your wellness fix. Alexa has a number of meditation skills to provide you with guided exercises to practice mindfulness from the comfort of your bedroom. You can try saying 'Alexa, open Guided Meditation' for a new meditation exercise every day to help you calm your mind and body for a more restful sleep. Try it half an hour before bed to help you wind down after a long day.
5. Turn your echo device into a night light
There's no shame in sleeping with a night light past the age of 10. Some of us sleep better with a warm glow from across the room, and with Alexa’s Night Light skill, you can turn your Echo device into a night lamp with just a simple command. Just say 'Alexa, open night light for 30 minutes' and have it cast a gentle light into your room as you drift off to sleep.
As we celebrate World Sleep Day this Friday, never was there a better time to add an Amazon Echo to your nightstand. Try one of these simple commands and see how much better your sleep becomes.
Shop our favorite Alexa devices for the bedroom
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Lilith Hudson is the Color & Trends Editor at Livingetc. Writing news, features, and explainers for our digital platform, she's the go-to person for all the latest micro-trends, interior hacks, and color inspiration you need in your home. Lilith discovered a love for lifestyle journalism during her BA in English and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham where she spent more time writing for her student magazine than she did studying. After graduating, she decided to take things a step further and now holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, with previous experience at the Saturday Times Magazine, Evening Standard, DJ Mag, and The Simple Things Magazine. At weekends you'll find her renovating a tiny one-up, one-down annex next to her Dad's holiday cottage in the Derbyshire dales where she applies all the latest design ideas she's picked up through the week.
-
12 of the Best Pieces You'll Find in Drew Barrymore's "Beautiful by Drew" Homewares Range
The multi-talented star is bringing her sense of play and penchant for style to interiors, and we’re absolutely here for it. From coffee makers to decor, here's what this style editor is loving below
By Julia Demer Published
-
'It's One of the Best Places to Buy Lighting!' — Pottery Barn Table Lamps are So Good Right Now
The secret to the perfect mood? Lighting. So why settle for illumination that's anything less than stunning? Feast your eyes on the beauty that is Pottery Barn table lamps
By Julia Demer Published
-
6 Resolutions to Make Your Smart Home Better in 2024 — This is How to Get More From Your Tech
Make your smart home work better for you in the new year with these tips to get things firing on all cylinders
By Alan Martin Published
-
'Okay, That's Genius!' I've Just Discovered This 'Temperature-Controlled' Outlet That has so Many Clever Uses
With a thermometer built in, these outlets can power devices when the temperature hits a certain point, making them ideal for many use cases
By Alan Martin Published
-
How to Stop Alexa Suggestions - It's so Easy to Turn Off Unwanted Advice From Your Smart Speaker
Cut down on your Amazon Echo’s follow-up spam with this foolproof method.
By Alan Martin Published
-
I lost my TV remote – how can I control my TV now?
There are plenty of options for people whose TV remotes have been lost or simply stopped working
By Alan Martin Published
-
How to add Apple TV as a HomeKit home hub - and why it's a good idea for your smart home
Your Apple TV box can be the center of your smart home. Here’s how to set it up as your HomeKit home hub
By Alan Martin Published
-
What are the options for an Apple HomeKit home hub? An expert's verdict on which is best
If you want to set up an Apple HomeKit home hub, you have three options — but one has a big drawback
By Alan Martin Published
-
In your smart TV spying on you? This is what data your TV collects and how can you make it more private
Internet-connected smart TVs are designed to make your life easier, but that convenience comes with a price: personal data.
By Alan Martin Published
-
How to turn your HomePod or HomePod mini into the ultimate speaker for your TV
Want your HomePod speaker to start pulling its weight? Here's how to use it as the ultimate audio booster for your TV.
By Caroline Preece Published