Sleep Timer
A sleep timer counts down while you wind down - For a nap, a bedtime routine, or a reminder to switch off. This one is set to 30 minutes by default; set your own, start, and a gentle alarm sounds when the time is up.
Tip: press Space to start or pause, R to reset, F for full screen.
About the Sleep Timer
A sleep timer times naps, wind-down, and bedtime so you rest the right amount and wake up refreshed instead of groggy.
A sleep timer puts you in charge of how long you rest. Set it for a quick power nap, a calm wind-down, or a full night, then close your eyes and let go.
The length really matters. Rest too long in the afternoon and you wake up foggy. Rest just right and you feel sharp again in minutes.
How long should you nap or sleep?
Each length does a different job. Match the timer to what you need right now.
| Length | Best for |
|---|---|
| 10–20 min (power nap) | Fast energy and focus, with no grogginess |
| 30 min | Light rest, but you may wake up a little foggy |
| 60 min | Deeper sleep that helps memory stick |
| 90 min | One full sleep cycle, so waking feels smooth |
| 7–8 hours | A full night of restorative sleep |
Try a one-hour timer for a longer daytime rest, or an eight-hour timer to cover a full night. Want a custom length? The set-hours timer lets you pick any amount.
Tip: Nap before 3 p.m. so a late rest does not steal from your night sleep or hurt your bedtime.
Tip: Set a 20-minute power nap for a quick recharge; you skip deep sleep and wake without the fog.
Tip: Start a wind-down timer 30 minutes before bed to dim lights, put down your phone, and slow your breathing.
Why a sleep timer helps you rest better
Your body sleeps in cycles of about 90 minutes. Each one moves from light sleep into deep sleep and dreaming, then back up again.
Wake up in the middle of a deep stage and you feel that heavy, groggy drag called sleep inertia. A timer helps you stop at a better point, so you wake up clear instead of cranky.
Short naps skip deep sleep on purpose. That is why a 20-minute nap leaves you fresh, while a random hour on the couch can leave you worse. Pairing your timer with a calm meditation timer or the ideas in our breathing and meditation guide makes falling asleep even easier.
How to Use the Sleep Timer
- Set your wind-downStart from 30 minutes or choose your own - 20 for a power nap, longer for a routine.
- Dim and startSwitch to dark mode, press Start, and let the quiet countdown run.
- RestClose your eyes while keeping the page open; test the finish sound before starting.
- Wake gentlyA soft alarm brings you back so a nap doesn't run long.
Related on timer.now: hour timers, 8-hour timer and 1-hour timer.
Browse all online timer tools by activity and timer type.
For audible alerts, keep the page open and test the sound. Browser alarm limits.
Best Uses for the Sleep Timer
Rest without oversleeping into grogginess.
Time a wind-down before lights out.
A cue to stop scrolling and sleep.
A calm, visible countdown for rest.
Sleep Timer Compared With Similar Timers
| Tool | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| Alarm Clock | you need a wake-up alert at a specific time |
| Online Timer | you want a simple countdown for a short nap |
Related Online Timers
Sleep Timer - FAQ
Is this a nap timer too?
Will it keep time if my screen dims?
Does this sleep timer turn off music or video?
Will a sleep timer wake me up?
What is the best nap length to avoid grogginess?
Want a timer on your own page? Build an iframe embed with a custom title, theme and dimensions.