Ever found yourself tossing and turning at night, desperately wishing for sleep to come? Well, you're not alone. And here's a little secret: sleep podcasts might just be the bedtime miracle you've been looking for.
Instead of scrolling through your phone or watching late-night TV, you're cozied up in bed, listening to soothing voices tell you sleep stories for adults. Sounds pretty nice, right?
Whether you're into sleep stories, calming conversations, or just some gentle background noise, we've rounded up our top 10 picks that'll have you snoozing in no time.
Let's dive straight into the world of sleep stories and the best podcasts to help you drift off to dreamland.
1) Sleep With Me
Drew Ackerman is the creator and host of the Sleep With Me podcast in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Buzzfeed, Mental Floss, and NOVA. Created in early 2013, the podcast heals the pain of insomnia with the relief of laughter, transforming it into one of the most unique podcasts to listen to before sleep. Through Sleep With Me, Drew helps individuals who feel alone and do not have anyone to tell them sleep stories.
Loyal listeners of “Sleep With Me” say they go to bed to listen to the story, not to sleep!
Designed to entertain the more loyal listeners, Sleep With Me uses sluggish story themes to keep your restless mind engaged. Listeners on the verge of sleeping are more likely than the audience as a whole to be participating in the discourse.
2) Nothing Much Happens
Nothing Much Happens is an award-winning podcast perfect for listeners who want to relax and drift off to sleep. The podcast features calming conversations about everyday topics. Each episode draws on the creative minds of its hosts, Kaitlyn Hoban and Kyle Marshall, so no two episodes are ever quite the same.
The idea behind Nothing Much Happens is simple: listen before bedtime and get ready for much-needed rest. With thoughtful conversations, soothing music, and an overall chill vibe, it's easy to see why Nothing Much Happens has gained such widespread popularity among listeners everywhere! Whether you're looking for advice on picking the perfect houseplant or just someone who will listen as you talk about your day, this podcast has something for everyone.
3) Slow Radio
Listening to calming sounds and music before bed could be just what you need to relax and prepare for restful sleep. It may sound counter-intuitive, but listening to the Slow Radio sleep podcast can help you unwind and rest at the end of the day. The beauty of this podcast is that it allows your mind to take a break from all the stresses of life and slip into a peaceful slumber.
The idea behind slow radio sleep podcasts is to offer listeners something they can listen to while they drift off. The content typically consists of ambient music, natural sounds such as ocean waves or rain, and sleep stories for adults – read in the most soothing voices. If you're looking for something gentle enough that won't keep your mind restless all night, such a podcast may be just the thing for you!
4) Sleep Whispers
Sleep Whispers is a popular sleep podcast encouraging listeners to get a better night’s sleep. The podcasts are designed to be soothing, calming and peaceful. They involve listening to readings of Wikipedia articles, and relaxing sounds that can help you sleep.
The Sleep Whispers podcast is designed to help people rest, reduce stress and clear the mind before sleeping. It features guided meditations and soft music that can ease even the most troubled minds into a peaceful state. By focusing on relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and positive affirmations, this podcast aims to provide listeners with an enjoyable way to unwind from their day before going to sleep.
5) Send Me To Sleep
Send Me To Sleep is a fantastic podcast to sleep to, helping its listeners fall asleep in no time. If you're one of those night owls who can't seem to get in the habit of going to bed early, this podcast is perfect for you. It features relaxing sleep stories and music specially designed to help people slow down before bedtime and relieve stress.
Listeners can enjoy a variety of calming stories that range from fairy tales to lullabies, and even original content specifically tailored for the show. Plus, there are some amazing soundscapes featured on each episode that create a tranquil atmosphere perfect for getting yourself in the mood for sleep. Whether it's with soothing sounds or soft melodies, you’ll be sent off to sleep in minutes!
6) Get Sleepy
Get Sleepy is one of the other podcasts before bed to help listeners fall into a peaceful slumber. It's the perfect way to relax and get ready for bed. This innovative podcast uses scientific stories and amazing music to put listeners in the right mindset before they drift off.
Whether you want to start winding down after a hectic day or enjoy some restful sleep on those sleepless nights, Get Sleepy is an excellent solution. This calming sleep podcast has episodes lasting between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the mood you’re in.
7) Boring Books For Bedtime Readings
Boring Books for Bedtime Readings is a sleep podcast providing calming narrations of classic books to ease listeners into sleep.
This sleep podcast is an excellent choice for those who want to listen to something soothing before they fall asleep. The show features narrators reading famous books that span various genres, from classics like Alice in Wonderland, Moby Dick, and War & Peace, to more modern works like 1984 or Gone Girl. These readings serve as perfect bedtime stories for adults, offering a nostalgic and relaxing way to end the day.
8) Sleep Life
The Sleep Life Podcast is a weekly sleep podcast providing practical advice and tips to help listeners sleep better each night. Hosted by a certified sleep coach and author Erin Walton, this podcast has become a go-to source for those looking to improve their quality of sleep.
In each episode, Walton dives into topics like establishing a healthy bedtime routine, understanding the science of sleep, getting to sleep quickly, and more. She also interviews sleep deprivation experts who offer their insights on how they help others achieve higher quality restorative rest. Through candid conversations and entertaining stories from her own journey with sleeplessness, Walton helps her audience learn how to master the art of sleeping soundly just before bedtime.
9) Radio Headspace
Headspace Sleepcast is a sleep podcast by Headspace Studios that helps you relax and fall asleep. This podcast takes the listener on a journey into an immersive audio environment with soundscapes, guided meditations, and calming stories to help them ease into a restful slumber.
Headspace Sleepcast offers different episodes each week with topics ranging from managing stress to journeying through nature. Each of these experiences is designed to guide the listener towards a positive sleep cycle, helping them drift off peacefully before bed. With its soothing music and calming narrations, the podcast creates an atmosphere of relaxation so listeners can get the quality sleep they need each night.
10) Goodnight, World!
Goodnight, World! is another relaxing sleep podcast with short episodes recorded to help listeners wind down before they go to bed. It's the perfect way to end your day with a peaceful and calming routine.
Each episode of the Goodnight, World! podcast utilizes relaxing elements like soft background music and relaxing narration. Whether you're having trouble sleeping or just need to take a rest, this podcast can provide some much-needed solace before bedtime. The show also offers tips on how listeners can create their own pre-bed rituals for better sleep at night. With its unique content and engaging storytelling style, Goodnight, World! is sure to become part of your nightly routine!
