The effects of poor sleep can ripple through our lives like proverbial butterfly wings.
Probably all of us have experienced the negative impacts of sleep deficiency on our mood and performance, but it doesn’t stop there. In the long run, without enough rest, our overall health begins to suffer, too.
If this is a recurring issue for you, perhaps you’ve tried limiting your caffeine or sugar consumption, eating better foods, and even adjusting your screen time habits as you wind down for the night.
In fact, it’s no secret that blue light from electronics affects our melatonin production. The research on this has been extensive, including on this very blog. But there is some “good” tech out there that can ensure a restful sleeping environment and help us understand and fine-tune our nighttime routine.
Smart technology uses connectivity to the internet or other smart devices (like our phones) to provide valuable insights into our habits and help us make some necessary changes with a simple finger tap.
The smart bedroom devices listed below are specifically designed to promote sleep, not detract from it — no blue light required.
Whether you’re looking to improve the quality of your sleep or just prevent poor sleep from happening in the first place, check out this list of smart tech to implement in your sleep routine.
Smart Beds
Imagine if perfect sleep was as simple as crawling into bed. With smart beds, this isn’t just in your dreams.
Smart beds can just about do it all. Strategically placed sensors in and around the mattress record and report your sleep data — how long you slept, your body movements, and any environmental factors that affect your sleep, like noise.
Some models take this to the next level by offering the ability to adjust the angle of the mattress or even the internal temperature. If you or your partner are prone to snoring, your smart bed can raise your head slightly to promote better airflow. If you’re running hot at 2 a.m., your bed can cool itself down to help.
Finally, many smart beds can connect with other devices in your home for cross-functionality and include speakers for audio capabilities.
Sleep Trackers
Sleep trackers offer the sleep data of a smart bed but without the price tag. Similar to a fitness tracker, sleep trackers are designed to monitor and then report on your sleep data.
Sleep trackers allow you to see data on your REM cycle, heart rate, and sleep performance (don’t worry, you’re not being judged based on this score).
Whether you’d like to wear your sleep tracker overnight or just have it close by on your nightstand, there’s a model out there for you. Some can be worn on the wrist, while others are designed as rings for your fingers or even a headband.
It’s important to note that your sleep tracker will collect and report your sleep data, but it’s up to you to interpret it and make any necessary changes to get better sleep.
Smart Lights
Smart lights are a great investment for your entire home, but their benefits can be especially felt in the bedroom. Smart lights connect to your Wi-Fi and allow you to control them with your phone. You can ensure your bedroom is the right color and brightness with smart lights’ total customization capabilities.
There are smart lights with a full-color spectrum or bulbs that stick to various shades of white. Smart lights can also be programmed to follow a schedule, meaning you can be greeted with a soft, gradually brightening lamp in the morning or a handy light in an otherwise dark house in the evening.
If you’d like to preserve your deep REM sleep while you check on your children or run to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you can toggle the dimmest possible light in your smart bulbs instead of flipping on the hall light.
The main reasons these smart lights are so handy outside of bedtime hours as well are their longevity and energy efficiency. One bulb can last up to five years or longer, and you’ll notice the energy-saving benefits when the electric bill comes.
Smart Window Blinds
If you’d like a natural-light solution instead of upgrading your interior bulbs, look no further than your own windows.
Smart blinds are battery-powered, Bluetooth- or internet-connected window coverings. With your phone or another remote device, you can raise or lower your smart blinds or adjust their angle to let the perfect amount of light in.
Smart blinds can also be programmed to automatically adjust themselves at sunset or sunrise. They can also help regulate your home’s interior temperature, ensuring your HVAC isn’t working harder than it needs to.
While indeed an investment, smart blinds are relatively inexpensive and can have positive impacts on your body’s Vitamin D absorption, leading to better sleep.
Smart Alarm Clocks
Sometimes, all we need is a good wake-up call — without our phones — to start the day off right.
If you’re looking to customize your morning alarm but don’t want your phone tempting you from the nightstand, a smart alarm clock strikes a great balance.
Beyond the personalization of your alarm (would you like pleasant birdsong, or perhaps vibrations?), smart alarm clocks offer plenty of useful features depending on the model. A smart display can show your calendar, the news, and local weather, or you can opt for a simple digital display with a soft nightlight. Many models also offer soothing music or white noise to serve as your sleep’s soundtrack.
Most smart clocks are compatible with a range of other home automation devices — like the ones listed here — aiding in synergy throughout your home.
5 More Smart Ideas
We’ve listed our favorite sleep-enhancing smart bedroom ideas above, but if you’re feeling inspired, you can keep the Z’s coming with these other tech tricks.
Wireless Chargers
Sometimes, sleeping with our phones in the bedroom is unavoidable — but it doesn’t have to be disruptive. They often automatically shut off when your device is at 100%, helping prolong its battery life. With wireless chargers, you’ll be glad you no longer have to search for your power cord under the bed while half-asleep.
Light Therapy Lamps
Light therapy lamps help your circadian rhythm by offering a glow that our bodies interpret similarly to sunlight. These lamps are also said to help with symptoms of depression, which can be exacerbated when your body doesn’t get enough natural light.
Wireless Fans
Achieve the perfect sleep temperature in your bedroom with a wireless fan. More lightweight and portable than a traditional tower fan, a wireless version can bring you comfortable, filtered air along with a lullaby of white noise.
Smart Essential Oil Diffusers
There are many essential oils that can promote restful sleep. Smart diffusers give the benefits of aromatherapy with a few extra perks: customize the strength of the mist or the soft light’s color, and program a scheduled shut-off time — for after you’re fast asleep.
Bluetooth Outlets
Investing in new electronics isn’t always feasible. If you’d like to get a feel for what smart bedroom tech can do for you without the upfront cost or commitment, Bluetooth outlets can turn anything smart. With these smart outlets, you can remotely control their power and that of anything plugged into them with just a smartphone app. Turn your lights, TV, or essential oil diffuser on or off from anywhere.
Finding ways to improve your sleep can be like finding the right home insurance — there are so many different options out there, and you have to find what works best for you. This list just scratches the surface of what smart tech can do for you and your sleep.
When you improve your rest environment (even with the assistance of digital upgrades), you improve your sleep — and your life.
If you find yourself still feeling tired throughout the day you may have sleep apnea. Talk to your physician about a possible sleep study or call the Alaska Sleep Clinic today @ 907-420-0540 to speak to one of our sleep specialists. Find out what we were voted by Alaskans as the Best Sleep Lab in the state.
