How My Go-To-Bed Alarm on Alexa Helps Me Adult Like a Pro

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 I want to talk about a game-changer in my daily routine: my Go-To-Bed Alarm on Alexa. As a busy parent, finding time for self-care, including a good night's sleep, can be challenging. Especially when all I want to do after the kids go to bed is to stay up binging my own TV shows.

Why Consistent Bedtimes Matter

As much as we don't want to believe it, we as adults can benefit from a regular sleep schedule, just like we require of our kids. Setting a consistent bedtime helps regulate your body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Plus, studies have shown that consistent sleep patterns are linked to better overall health and cognitive function.

The Pitfalls of Late-Night TV Binges

We've all been there—just one more episode turns into a full-blown Netflix marathon, and before you know it, it's 2 a.m. While your favorite TV shows can be a great way to unwind, late-night screen time can kill your sleep quality. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. And sacrificing sleep for a few more episodes can leave you feeling groggy and unproductive the next day. And the cycle continues.

Enter: The Go-To-Bed Alarm on Alexa

Now, let's talk about how my Go-To-Bed Alarm on Alexa comes into play. Much like a gentle nudge from us to our children, reminding them that it's bedtime, Alexa kindly reminds me when it's time to start winding down for the night. And I have Alexa remind my why I need to head to bed.

"This is your reminder. Go to bed, or tomorrow's gonna suck."

My Alexa, every night at 10pm

Instead of debating if I'm going to watch one more episode, or read one more chapter of my new book, I know I should go to bed. Instead of letting the technology suck me in, I feel like I have more awareness of what I'm doing. And I get to actively make the decision of going to bed or staying up. Alexa's reminder just pulls me out of my zombie-like state and makes me a participant in my tired life.

How to Set Up Your Own Go-To-Bed Reminder on Alexa:

Setting up a Go-To-Bed Reminder on Alexa is simple and customizable to fit your schedule. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
  2. Tap on the "Reminders & Alarms" tab at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Select "Reminders" and then tap on "Add Reminder."
  4. Choose the time you'd like your Go-To-Bed Reminder to go off.
  5. Select whether you want the reminder to repeat daily or on specific days. If you want to have more flexibility, you can choose to have the reminder only announce on certain days. For example, if you prefer more relaxation time on weekends but need extra help sticking to your routine during the week, you can set the reminder to go off only on weekdays.
  6. Customize the reminder message to your liking. You can personalize it with a gentle prompt like "Time to start winding down for bed" or "Relaxation hour begins now." My Alexa reminder tells me about the consequences of not going to bed - "Go to bed or tomorrow's gonna suck."
  7. Save your settings, and you're all set to start prioritizing your sleep routine.

In Conclusion

In a world filled with endless distractions and responsibilities, it's more important than ever to prioritize self-care, including getting enough restful sleep. With the help of my Go-To-Bed Alarm on Alexa, I've been able to establish a consistent bedtime routine that helps me feel more energized and productive throughout the day. Remember, a well-rested adult is a happy adult (and parent). And maybe we'll all have a better chance at a more peaceful tomorrow.

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