Good Night: Create a bedtime routine for your Smart Home

One of the most popular smart home routines is a bedtime routine that shuts down all automated devices when you go to bed. This routine is adaptable to whatever level of automation you have, from a single light bulb to a fully automated house. If you only have a few devices now, this routine will grow with your system.

Setting Up the Bedtime Routine

Triggers: What Starts the Routine

The bedtime routine can be triggered by various actions, making it easy to customize to your preferences. Here are some common triggers:

1. Button Next to the Bed: A simple button press can start the routine.
2. Voice Control: Use voice commands with devices like Google Home or Alexa to initiate the routine.
3. Arming the Security System: Set the routine to begin when you arm your security system for the night.
4. Smartphone App: Control the routine from your smartphone using a smart home app.
5. Turning Off Particular Lights: Advanced users can set specific lights to trigger the routine. For instance, turning off the stairway or bathroom light that comes on 30 minutes before bedtime.

A unique example is a client with two built-in, switched reading lights above their bed. Both lights would dim to 5-10% when the house switched to evening mode. The routine was set so that when both lights were turned off for the night, the house would run the bedtime routine.

Actions: What Happens When the Routine is Triggered

When the routine is triggered, several events can occur to prepare your home for the night. Additionally, depending on the devices you have, here are some actions you can include:

1. Garage Doors: Ensure all garage doors are closed.
2. Locks: Lock all doors.
3. Security Gates: Ensure security gates are closed.
4. Security System: Arm the security system in night mode.
5. Interior Lights: Turn off all interior lights.
6. Blinds and Drapes: Close all blinds and drapes.
7. Entertainment Devices: Turn off all televisions and other entertainment devices.
8. Thermostats: Set thermostats to preferred sleeping temperatures.
9. Exterior Lights: Set exterior lights to preferred overnight settings, such as keeping driveway lights on all night.

Conditions: Requirements for the Routine to Run

Certain conditions can be set to ensure the routine runs only when specific criteria are met. Here are some examples:

1. Security Mode: Ensure the security system is not armed in away or vacation mode.
2. Geofence: Verify that all mobile devices are within the home’s geofence.
3. Device Status: Optionally, ensure a specific device is off, such as a TV or hallway light.

Benefits of a Bedtime Routine

Having a single routine that automates all these actions can save you a lot of time and effort every night. Furthermore, it ensures that everything is done consistently without you having to remember each task. Consequently, your home will automatically be secured, and devices will be set to your preferred settings, providing peace of mind and convenience.

Conclusion

Creating a bedtime routine for your smart home can greatly enhance your nightly routine. By setting up triggers, actions, and conditions, you can customize this routine to fit your needs perfectly. Whether you have a few smart devices or a fully automated home, this routine can grow with your system, making your life easier and more secure.