Building A Smart Bedroom: A Guide To Sleep Technology

Transforming your bedroom into a smart bedroom is a great way to enhance convenience, efficiency, and relaxation, all of which impact your sleep quality. The first step is to consider how to seamlessly implement technology while prioritising natural comfort. Choose specific pieces to build around, starting with your bed, and select devices that align with your priorities, such as climate control, media engagement, or lighting. To ensure compatibility, opt for a smart home hub like Amazon Echo or Google Home, which allows control of various devices from one app or device. Smart lighting is a significant factor in controlling your room's ambiance and can be adjusted to match your circadian rhythm. Additionally, consider smart plugs, voice assistants, smart speakers, smart blinds or curtains, and smart security systems.

Smart lighting

The lighting in your bedroom should be adjustable to suit different activities and moods. For instance, blue light may disrupt melatonin production, so you can use smart RGB LED lighting to reduce the blue light level and create a warm-white hue. This adjustment can be made through voice commands or apps, allowing for hassle-free operation.

Smart bulbs like the Philips Hue or Wyze Bulb are a great starting point. These bulbs can be controlled via an app, allowing you to create lighting schedules. You can set the lights to dim or switch to a soothing amber hue just before bedtime and turn off when you're ready to sleep. In the morning, you can set them to gradually brighten, mimicking a sunrise and providing a natural wake-up call.

For more precise control over your sleep and wake cycle, the Hue Twilight from Philips Hue is a smart sunrise lamp designed to mimic sunrise and sunset. You can adjust the light directly or set wake-up automation with two light sources from the Hue app, allowing you to customize the brightness and speed of the lamp's brightening over time.

To add ambient lighting, consider installing LED light strips. These can be placed behind a large headboard or a TV to create a cozy atmosphere.

When choosing smart lighting, ensure that it integrates with apps, remotes, touchscreen panels, and voice assistants for seamless control. Additionally, opt for smart bulbs that work with different lamp styles to fit your aesthetic preferences.

Smart plugs

To set up a smart plug, simply plug it into an electrical outlet, connect it to your Wi-Fi network through an app on your phone or tablet, and then plug in your chosen device. Popular smart plugs include the Wemo Smart Plug, the Kasa Smart Plug, and the Amazon Smart Plug.

When choosing a smart plug, consider the voice assistant you'll be using, as not all plugs are compatible with every assistant. Also, think about the size and style of the plug, especially if you have limited space or want to use multiple plugs in one outlet.

Smart shades

There are a few things to consider when choosing smart shades:

• Size and Fit: Off-the-shelf smart shades are the most affordable option, but they may not fit your windows perfectly. Tailor-made shades will be more expensive, but they will be made to the exact specifications of your windows, ensuring a perfect fit. It's important to measure your windows carefully and to consider whether you want an inside or outside mount. Inside-mounted shades offer a cleaner look but may not block out as much light, whereas outside-mounted shades are easier to install but don't look as good.
• Material and Finish: Smart shades come in a variety of materials and finishes to suit your style and privacy needs. If you want a privacy shade that still lets in a lot of light, choose a sheer or translucent material. For blocking out heat or reducing noise, a thicker shade is a better option. You can also choose from a range of colours to match your interior decor.
• Power Source: Most smart shades are powered by rechargeable batteries, which can be charged in situ or by removing the battery and plugging it into a power source. Some shades use standard disposable batteries, but rechargeable batteries are generally recommended. Solar panels are another option for keeping your shades charged, but they may not be aesthetically pleasing from the outside.
• Connectivity: To control your shades from your phone or with voice commands, you'll need a hub that is compatible with your shades and your preferred voice assistant. While some shades can be connected via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Zigbee generally offer a more reliable connection.
• Automation: The main benefit of smart shades is the ability to automate them, so be sure to research the different options available. As well as opening and closing at set times, some shades can be programmed to close at sunset and open at sunrise, or to respond to motion sensors or changes in temperature.
• Lutron Serena Smart Shades: These shades offer a premium experience with sturdy hardware, ultra-quiet motors, and a wide range of design options. They are compatible with all major smart home platforms and can be controlled via the Lutron app or with voice commands. However, they are custom-made and quite expensive, with prices starting at $700 per shade.
• IKEA Fyrtur Shades: These shades offer excellent value for money, with customisable sizes, an easy-access battery compartment, and compatibility with major smart home platforms. They are also easy to install and come with a remote control. However, they only come in one colour (grey) and the hardware for mounting is not included.
• SmarterHome MySmartRollerShades: These shades are a more affordable alternative to the Lutron shades, with similar features including solar charging and compatibility with Amazon Alexa. However, they have more limited design options and require a Wi-Fi hub for full remote access and voice assistant support.
• SmartWings Motorized Roller Shades: These shades offer a wide range of customisation options, including different styles, colours, and smart home ecosystems. They are easy to install and offer reliable performance, with connectivity via Matter (Thread), Zigbee, or Z-Wave. However, they are quite expensive, with prices starting at $155.
• Yoolax Motorized Cellular Shades: Yoolax offers custom-made shades and blinds in a variety of styles, colours, and finishes. They are easy to install and come with a valance for a neat look. The shades are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but require a Yoolax hub for Google Home support. The motor can be loud, sometimes exceeding 60 decibels.
• OmniaBlinds Smart Roller Shades: These shades offer a range of understated, Scandi-style fabrics, with privacy and blackout options available. They are easy to install and come with a physical pull cord for manual control. They are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings, but require a Matter controller such as an Apple TV or Nest Hub. The shades can be noisy, with a volume of up to 60 decibels. Prices start at around $220.
• Canisteo Smart Shades: Canisteo offers a wide range of custom-fit shades at a more affordable price point than some other brands. They are easy to install and offer Matter support for voice controls and scheduling. However, the brackets can be fiddly to slide into place. The shades respond to voice controls and open and close on schedule, with a battery life of up to six months.
• Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit: This product is a great option if you already have a roller shade that you love and want to make it smart. It can be fitted into an existing roller shade and added to HomeKit by scanning a QR code. It also now offers Matter support, allowing for easy connection to Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or Google Home. The pull chain can sometimes catch on the shade when closing, and the product can be quite noisy, exceeding 60 decibels.

With so many options available, you can find the perfect smart shades to suit your needs and create a bedroom that is both comfortable and convenient.

Voice assistants

When choosing a voice assistant, you'll want to select a compatible smart speaker or display that supports your preferred voice assistant. Popular options include Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri. These voice assistants can be set up on devices such as the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub.

Once you've chosen and set up your device, you can start using voice commands to control your smart home. For example, you can say, "Hey Google, turn off the lights" or "Alexa, what's the weather today?"

It's worth noting that some voice assistants may offer a display option, which can be useful for visual information such as reading calendar appointments or checking the time. However, if privacy is a concern, you may prefer a voice assistant without a camera, such as Google's Nest Hub.

When creating a smart bedroom, a voice assistant can be a central part of the setup, allowing you to control lighting, temperature, alarms, and more with just your voice.

Smart beds

Adjustable Firmness

The ability to adjust the firmness of your bed is a standout feature, especially for couples with different preferences. Look for a bed that offers dual-zone customisation, allowing each side of the bed to be adjusted independently. This feature is ideal for catering to different sleeping positions, body types, and firmness preferences.

Temperature Control

Temperature regulation is crucial for a good night's sleep. Smart beds often include heating and cooling capabilities, allowing you to set your desired temperature for each side of the bed. This is particularly beneficial for hot sleepers or those who struggle with night sweats.

Sleep Tracking

Sleep tracking is a common feature in smart beds, providing insights into your sleep patterns and quality. These beds can track sleep stages, sleep time, restlessness, heart rate, and more. The data collected can help you understand your sleep habits and make improvements for better sleep health.

Snore Detection and Mitigation

Snore detection is a useful feature for those who share a bed with a partner who snores. The bed can detect snoring and automatically adjust the head position to relieve airway pressure and reduce snoring. This feature ensures a more peaceful sleep for both parties.

Massage Capabilities

Some smart beds offer built-in massage functions, providing a relaxing way to unwind before bed. Look for beds with multiple intensity levels and zones to customise your massage experience.

Smart Home Compatibility

For seamless integration with your smart home ecosystem, ensure your chosen smart bed is compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows for convenient voice control and the potential for more advanced smart home automation.

Trial Period and Warranty

Notable Smart Bed Options:

• Saatva Solaire Adjustable Mattress: This mattress offers 50 firmness settings controlled via a remote, providing exceptional customisation. It also features lumbar support and a cotton pillow top for added comfort.
• Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed: This bed allows for adjustable firmness and includes a breathable fabric cover to regulate sleep temperature. It generates a SleepIQ score based on sleep metrics and offers personalised recommendations for better sleep.
• Eight Sleep Pod 3 Smart Mattress Cover: While not a full mattress, this cover adds smart features to your existing bed. It offers dual-zone temperature control, sleep tracking, and a silent vibrating alarm.
• Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Power Smart Bed Base: This smart bed base works with your existing mattress and includes features like snore detection, sleep tracking, massage functions, and under-bed lighting.

With these considerations and options in mind, you can now make a more informed decision about choosing the right smart bed to elevate your bedroom experience.

Frequently asked questions