Discover How to Use the Alexa Sleep Timer for a Good Night’s Sleep

Do you often face trouble falling asleep? If yes, then do you know that your Amazon home device transforms into the Alexa Sleep Timer that also acts as an effective sleeping aid?

The stress of the modern world can be overwhelming, but getting a good night’s sleep refreshes and energizes you, making you feel like you are ready to take on the world again. 

However, sometimes sleep just doesn’t come naturally, and we all need a little help to relax our minds or perhaps to block out the noise of the traffic outside. As an incredibly busy interior designer, wife, and mom to two energetic boys, I feel completely drained by the end of the day. 

Yet, despite all my efforts to keep stress at bay, sleep still eludes me, and I need to set the right ambiance to help me unwind, relax, and slowly descend into a deep sleep. 

That’s where the Alexa comes in; I can use its sleep timer feature to dim or close the lights at the right time, listen to my favorite podcast, or even play mellow, relaxing sounds in the background as I slowly drift off. 

Setting up a night-time sleep routine even helps me get an early start the following day as Alexa triggers the alarm at a set time and switches on the lights. Since I started using Alexa to schedule my sleep, I wake up feeling refreshed every day. 

Additionally, getting a good 8 hours of beauty sleep works wonders for my skin and overall health.  
Enough said for now! Let us talk more about sleep timers and how the Alexa Sleep Sounds Timer can help you catch a wink during turbulent times.

What Is a Sleep Timer?

Before we dive deep into the world of sleep and sweet dreams, let’s examine what a sleep timer is and how it works.

Now, a sleep timer is a feature in a device or an app that allows you to play music or sounds that help you sleep soundly at night. 

While you can turn on the sounds on any app or device, a sleep timer is set to turn off the sound automatically after a specified time period. This prevents your device from discharging during the night and ensures that your preset alarm is triggered the next morning. 

If you have insomnia, you can play different sounds, music, stories, and guided meditation sessions to help you drift off easily. You can even doze off to your favorite songs and podcasts or audiobooks. The sleep timer just ensures that your audio turns off after a while, long after you have slipped into a deep sleep. 

All you need to do is keep Alexa by your bedside and turn on the Alexa Music Sleep Timer to enjoy its many features. 

If you are wondering how to get started, you are on the right page, as I will list down all the features and benefits of using Amazon’s Sleep Timer below. 

I will also show you how to set up an Alexa Routine to drift off while listening to your favorite playlist, switch off your smart lights automatically, and even create the perfect night and morning routines.

Why Do You Need the Alexa Sleep Timer?

The Alexa Sleep Timer is one of the best sleep timers out there for helping frisky or restless sleepers get a good night’s rest. 

Here’s Why: 

• Instead of fumbling around in the morning to turn off your alarm, you can ask Alexa to do it. It’s also much more pleasant to wake up to your favorite morning music rather than a beeping alarm clock. 
• Many people can’t fall asleep unless they have some soothing sounds playing in the background. 
• The timer offers a wide range of free skills, including sound options like a babbling brook, rain, podcasts, bedtime stories, guided meditation, or simple white noise. 
• Skills are voice-driven apps or capabilities that help you make the most of your Amazon home device or, in this case, help put you down for the night. 
• Once you have selected a specific skill or playlist, you can set a sleep timer to ensure that Alexa turns off the audio after a specified time, i.e., 15 or 60 minutes, etc. 
• The timer also offers you a simple way to avoid announcements in the middle of the night: you can turn on the ‘do not disturb’ feature before going to bed every night. 
• Forget about having to get up from your warm, cozy bed to switch off your lights. Using the right settings, you can have Alexa turn off your lights for you at night. That sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? 

Getting excited, are we? Well, this is just the beginning. There are loads more exciting options to discover and explore.

How to Set Up the Alexa Sleep Timer for Audio

Do you often end up tossing and turning in your bed all night, unable to get any rest due to the noise from the street, your neighbors, or even your restless thoughts? 

Well, then you need a dependable sleeping buddy that helps you tune out all outside sounds and even shut down the voices inside your head. This, in turn, enables you to enter a deep, meditative state and slowly descend into a deep slumber. 

Therefore, you can now see how the Alexa has the power to transform your erratic sleeping schedule into a soothing one. 

Using Alexa to set a sleep timer for audio is very simple. I will show you how to accomplish this shortly. You can have your device play your favorite rhythms and also set it to turn off automatically. 

Once your routine is set, all you need to do is lay back and leave all the worries of this world behind. 

Here’s What You Need to Do: 

• Ask Alexa to set a sleep timer and specify how long you want the timer to run.
• For example, “Alexa, set a 15-minute sleep timer.”

• When you hear Alexa say Okay, repeat how long you want the timer to run for, and you’re good to go! 
• When the timer expires, Alexa will automatically turn off the audio.

You can also use the Alexa Sleep Timer Lights option to turn off or turn on your lights automatically. Let me walk you through it.

How to Set Up an Alexa Sleep Timer for Lights

If you are anything like me, you often settle down in bed, only to realize that you have forgotten to switch off the lights. My husband hates it when I ask him to turn off the lights, and that’s why he’s delighted to have Alexa do it for him. 

Before we explore setting up a sleep timer on Alexa for lights, it’s important to note that this feature won’t work for people who don’t have Alexa-enabled lighting. For this smart feature to work, you need to have smart lights in your bedroom and then sync them with Alexa.

If you are a smart light novice who is looking for trustworthy and long-lasting options, may I suggest reading about Philips Hue Smart Bulbs and their longevity here?

• Switch on your Alexa device and ask it to set a sleep timer (light name) for (length of time). 
• Use a command like this: “Alexa, set a 20-minute sleep timer on Room Lights.”
• It will respond with Okay and repeat the time limit specified in the timer request. 
• Alexa will then switch off or dim your lights accordingly. 

Some people like to set a timer for their audio and lights together. Let’s explore setting up an Alexa Sleep Timer Routine for audio and lights together.

How to Set Up an Alexa Sleep Timer Routine for Audio and Lights

If you’re tired of setting up audio and music sleep timers separately, don’t worry, as I have a simple solution for you.

You can have Alexa perform multiple tasks simultaneously by creating a personalized routine. It may take some time to develop a routine that works best for you, but once it’s set in place, it works like a charm.

Routines allow you to control multiple actions with a single trigger (such as a voice command) to start the activities contained within a routine.

To create a featured routine, follow the steps below: (H3)

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Select the Icon option in the upper left corner.
3. Go to the Routines menu and then to the Featured routines to get to know about your options.
4. Tap on the routine of your choice.
5. You can also activate a routine with your voice by saying, “Alexa, enable the sleep routine.”

What are the Steps for Creating a Personal Routine

Almost any action that you have Alexa carry out can be added to your very own customized routine, allowing you to accomplish multiple tasks with a single command.

Assume that you want to create a routine that dims the bedroom lights, plays audio, and sets the alarm for the next day. You can accomplish all of this and more by following the steps outlined below:

• Launch the Alexa app. 
• Select Routines from the icon menu at the top-left of the screen.
• Once in the Routines section, tap the + button at the top right of the page.
• Select your preferred trigger by clicking the When This Happens button.
• Then, press the Add Action button to add as many actions as you want to your custom routine.

Discover the Best Alexa Sleep Timer Sounds

When it comes to creating the perfect playlist for your daily sleep schedule,  the Alexa Sleep Sounds Timer offers you limitless options. 

You can export music from Amazon Music or even make your playlist and add your favorite sleeping sounds to it. However, if you’re too tired to make all that effort and need to put on some soothing music to chase your devils away, then Alexa has several excellent playlists or skills that you can turn on and play.  

If you own an Echo device, you no longer need to buy a sound machine because Alexa can instantly loop and play sounds like rain or thunderstorms.

If you want white noise variety, try out different Alexa Sleep skills to help you sleep better. 

Here are some sleep timer sounds that are sure to help you get a deep night’s rest. 

As mentioned before, the Alexa Sleep Sounds Timer comes with several skills that you can access to help calm your mind and enter a meditative state that allows you to slip into a deep sleep. 

Here’s how you can access these skills:

• Unlock your mobile and open the Alexa app. 
• Tap on the More icon and select the Skills & Games option from the sidebar. 
• Next, select the Search icon and search for Sleep to find a host of sleep-inducing skills.

Now that I have shown you how to access the skills on your Alexa device, let’s explore some of the more popular sleep sounds or skills that can help you get some proper rest.

Listen to Relaxing Sounds after a Long Tiring Day

What sounds better than the musical harmony of the frolicking ocean waves, a babbling brook, or even a rainforest? Do you feel like taking a nap already? I can’t stop yawning and dreaming of my soft, luxurious bed while writing about these sounds. I am looking longingly at my bed but will hold off for now. 

These are some of the sounds available on the Relaxing Sounds skills on the Alexa Sleep Sounds Timer.  

Other equally relaxing and fascinating tunes from this playlist include: 

• the croaking of frogs
• pink noise
• the sound of wind blowing through the trees
• raindrops falling on a tent
• dripping water
• a blizzard
• an owl 
• the chirping of the cicada

As you can guess from its wide variety of natural sounds, this list counts among the popular sleep skills on Alexa. If you have been struggling with falling asleep, I suggest giving this playlist a try. 

Hear Bedtime Stories to Revive Your Childhood Memories

Do you love listening to your bedtime stories, or are you looking for something that will help put your little tykes to sleep? If your answer is yes to either of these questions, you are sure to enjoy the Alexa Bedtime Story skills. 

Another incredibly popular option offered by Alexa, the Bedtime Story skills are enjoyed by both adults and children alike. For adults, it’s a way to engage in some good, old-fashioned nostalgic fun as they listen to their favorite childhood stories again. 

At the same time, this skill is a godsend for working moms like me who are too exhausted after a long day at work to narrate stories to their children. 

While I love my children and take the time to be with them as much as possible, this feature allows me to have a little time to myself while also putting my kids to sleep. 

Here are the commands you need for this feature:

• Alexa, Open Bedtime Story
• Alexa, Tell a Bedtime Story to (Name) 

Transform Your Bedroom Into a Zen Den

For those who have anxiety or stress, you can now transform your cozy bedroom into a peaceful meditation den with the aid of the Guided Sleep Meditation skill. 

All you need to do is say, “Alexa, play Sleep Meditation.” 

This will trigger the Guided Sleep Meditation skill, after which a calming voice will help you battle your insomnia with a reassuring meditation session. You don’t even have to worry about setting a timer as this feature turns off by itself.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of This

As the name suggests, this skill plays calming sounds or short meditation sessions that provide guided steps for deep breathing along with a variety of actions designed to calm your body and mind.

All you need to do is ask Alexa to play Sweet Dreams, and you can enjoy guided meditations sessions, such as:

• Falling Asleep
• Soften and Relax
• Breathing in Waves
• Review the Day

Listen to Your Favorite Podcasts to Sleep Like a Log

Sometimes the soothing voice of someone smarter and funnier than you discussing engaging or exciting topics is the only way to fall asleep. In that case, a podcast would be your ideal match.

To listen to your favorites, you can use TuneIn, Spotify, Apple Music, or Pocket Casts skills.

Pro-Tip: Set up a sleep timer to turn off the podcast after a specified time.

Tune Into Spa Stories for a Calm Sleep

I am a major fan of this skill as it combines my 2 passions, i.e., spa sessions and storytelling. 

All you need to do is say, “Alexa, play spa music.”

Once the command is issued, Alexa will immediately start playing calming spa music to help you relax and sleep like a baby. It is one of my go-to skills after a long, tiring day.

Channel Nature Sounds for a Gentle Sleep

Sleep by Nature Made provides two different routines to help you fall asleep. 

Once you command Alexa to play Nature Sounds, you need to relax as the nature sounds will start playing automatically and last for approx. 60 minutes.

Using Night Light to Fall Asleep Faster

Maybe you don’t need to listen to different sounds to fall asleep; all you need is a nice warm light. We understand that complete darkness isn’t everyone’s idea of a good sleeping environment, especially if you’re used to city lights peeking through your window. 

You can use the Night Light skill to create your desired ambiance for a full night’s rest.

Ask Sleep Buddy to Ease Your Hectic Day

Use the Sleep Buddy skill if you need to get up for an important meeting, school, work, or anything else and want to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

This feature uses REM sleep properties to determine the best time for you to fall asleep. 

For example, if you want to get up at 8 a.m., ask when you should go to bed to wake up rested, and it will let you know by when you should fall asleep. It’s almost like having a smart personal assistant of your own.

Activate Good Night to Give You Company

If being alone at night while trying to sleep scares you enough to keep you awake, then try the Good Night skill.

You don’t have to feel alone when Alexa is around. You might be able to sleep faster if you trick your mind into thinking you’re not alone and focus on a calm, soothing voice instead of giving in to your fears.

What is Alexa Sleep Timer Lighting Feature?

Someone who’s more of a morning person will adore the Alexa Sleep Timer Lights feature. 

This feature simulates the sunrise by gradually increasing the brightness of a single connected dimmable light or a group of lights.

You can now create a custom morning routine or night actions that brighten or dim lights to the desired brightness for a duration of 5 to 59 minutes using the new Routines feature. This feature helps you create your ideal mornings by even creating your perfect sunrise from scratch. 

For example, the lights can be programmed to brighten independently or to gradually dim and turn off with a voice-activated routine such as “Alexa, good night.” It could ease up the process and make your life more hassle-free.

The timer is compatible with both dimmable and non-dimmable lights. The only difference is that dimmable lights gradually reduce their brightness until they turn off when the timer expires. When the timer expires, non-dimmable lights will turn off.

FAQs

Q1. Where is the sleep timer in the Alexa app?

Answer -You can open the sleep timer in the Alexa App through these steps mentioned below:

• Open the Alexa app.
• Select Alarms & Timers from the More menu.
• To review your timers, go to the Timers tab.

Q2. How do I add a timer to my Alexa Sleep Time Routine?

Answer- I have already mentioned this in the steps above. Take another look at this section here.

Q3. How to cancel the sleep timer?

Answer– Ask Alexa to “Cancel sleep timer.” It will turn off the timer. Yes, it’s as simple as that.

Q4. What kind of music to avoid in the Alexa music sleep timer?

Answer- It is advised not to play loud music or sounds as doing so may actually prevent you from falling asleep.

Conclusion

As a highly satisfied user, I feel that the Alexa Sleep Timer creates a tranquil atmosphere that is highly conducive to sleep. If you’re looking for a way to fashion a stress-free night schedule, then I strongly recommend creating an Alexa Sleep Timer Routine and customizing it to your needs. 

Once you have mastered the basics, you can explore a whole new world of meditative, natural, or calming sounds to enjoy 

If you have any questions regarding it, drop them down in the comments below.