Smart phone and speaker

Innovative and a step further into the future, smart speakers are just the latest must have tech device to be introduced to the world. They’re designed to make life easier and are scattered thoroughout homes around the world, smart speakers have been a definite hit.

How could they not?! When playing music, no longer requires getting up from the sofa to change the cd!

Not sold? How about a device that turns off the lights for you? Yes! A smart speaker can do that. They are more efficient than a traditional internet search method, trendy and easy to use, as well as providing many many different functions.

It’s crystal clear why they’ve been a big hit with consumers across the globe. But along with the benefits, as with most tech devices, smart speakers have brought with them a string of possible negative effects.

With many opponents branding smart devices as intrusive and a step too far with regards people's privacy, smart speakers have definitely seen criticism.

Google Home Smart Speaker

The question we’re interested in asking is: how do smart speakers affect our sleep? 

Fortunately, currently no evidence has suggested smart speakers negatively affect your sleep. If silent, they’re unlikely to interrupt your sleep. Smart speakers can actually help improve and revolutionise your sleep.

Here are some possible ways that you can use speakers to can enhance your sleep:

Use smart speakers to pattern your waking up routine

Waking up can be just as hard for some as falling asleep can. Often we forget to set an alarm resulting in an awkward late entrance to work. Give your smart speaker a instruction to set an alarm for you. It will save you the hassle and avoids such mishaps.

Alarms can also be startling and result in waking up feeling groggy, so consider an alarm that will gradually wake you up, where the volume starts very low and gradually increases in loudness.

Research has proven that soft music can help you wake up feeling revived and ready for the day. You can give the command to your smart speaker to set the noise for your alarm as soft music. A much better option to wake up to!

Turquoise Alarm Clock
Amazon Dot on Mute

Use a podcast to help you fall asleep

Struggling to switch off your thoughts before sleeping can be tough, particularly if you’ve had a busy day. Trying to sleep with thoughts bouncing around in your mind is no easy feat and once you fall asleep, can result in disturbed sleep.

One way you can use a smart speaker to help with this is by giving the command to play a podcast. Find podcasts you enjoy or podcasts designed for bedtime.

Don't want a podcast, then why not consider some white noise, like waves gently lapping on the beach, or rain falling. There are relaxation apps and tracks that can be played through any smart speaker.

Many smart speakers also offer the night time mode which will switch off the podcast after a certain amount of time. It’s a good way to help clear your mind and provide some background noise to help you fall asleep.

Help your child/baby fall asleep

Putting your baby or child to bed can be a nightmare. It can often take up a large chunk of your time just trying to settle them down. If your child is struggling to sleep, request a bedtime story to be played.

Google Home in particular, offers a bed time story option. It’s a great source of entertainment and a good learning opportunity for the kids and also a good choice of background noise to help your child fall asleep. Alternatively, you can ask for a lullaby to be played; perfect for lulling the baby to sleep.

In addition, use your smart speaker and connected smart lights to gradually dim to off over a period of 30 minutes to help your baby to drift off to sleep, whilst providing comfort of a subtle light source.

Revolutionised sleep is what we’re all about. Smart speakers have a multitude of benefits and uses and we hope you can use your smart speakers to help you catch up on your snooze in no time!