Tossing and turning at night can be frustrating, often due to uncomfortable room temperatures, health issues, or a pillow that doesn't provide enough support. Imagine the transformative power of soothing voices and natural sounds in creating a peaceful, sleep-inducing atmosphere. While there are countless traditional methods and helpful tips to try, this could be a great option.
Podcasts have emerged as surprisingly effective partners in our search for better-quality sleep. Whether you're interested in learning about the science of sleep, getting lost in soothing bedtime stories, or drifting off to nature's beautiful sounds, the right podcast can transform your bedtime routine.
Research from Acast discovered that podcasts have become a popular and important part of bedtime routines for most adults. The study found that 76% of podcast listeners use them for relaxation, while 48% use them to fall asleep. [1]
Where do sleep podcasts fall in the realm of all topics? Well, according to a recent report, 36% of listeners who use podcasts to fall asleep are likely to choose podcasts belonging to the Sleep and Relaxation, Fiction, and Health and Wellness podcast categories. The remaining 64% of listeners in this category prefer to listen to Comedy and True Crime podcasts. [2]
Numerous sleep-related podcasts are available to potentially improve your bedtime routine and enhance the quality of your sleep. After speaking with members of the Sleepme team, I have compiled a list of our favorite sleep-related podcasts below. Feel free to give them a try!
Did You Know: 38% of Americans listened to a podcast in the last month and 26% in the last week. [3].
Save Up to $200 - Improve Your Sleep This Summer
Improve your bedtime routine by listening to the best soothing sounds and bedtime stories podcasts. Take your sleep experience to the next level with the Chilipad Dock Pro or Chilipad Cube bed cooling system. By combining calming audio with optimal sleep temperatures, you can transform your nights and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Engaging and Relaxing Bedtime Stories
These podcasts are ideal for relaxing and discovering tranquility during our hectic daily routines. Unlike other podcasts, they offer a gentle escapism that allows your mind to switch off and relax, becoming an effective tool for reducing anxiety, improving your mood, and promoting better sleep.
Whether you're winding down before bed or simply looking for a moment of quiet reflection during the day, a calming storytelling podcast can help you feel more centered and refreshed.
The Sleepy Podcast
Sleepy is a weekly podcast by host Otis Gray, where he reads old books to help you fall asleep. Every Sunday, Otis tells a classic bedtime story, such as Peter Pan, Moby Dick, The Jungle Book, and Little Women, which have been passed down for generations.
His gentle, soothing voice calms your mind and provides a pleasant, narrative-driven backdrop that eases listeners into a deeper, more restful sleep. With over a hundred episodes to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect story to help you fall asleep and get better sleep.
Send Me to Sleep
Are you having trouble falling asleep? Is your mind racing, keeping you awake? Look no further than Send Me To Sleep! This podcast earned a spot on our list because its creators designed it to help listeners relax and fall asleep faster.
Each episode includes a brief relaxation segment followed by a soothing bedtime story. The calming narration and gentle music will help you sleep peacefully.
Sleep With Me
Insomnia? Are you unable to sleep because of a racing mind or worries? If so, the Sleep With Me podcast has a solution for you. This is one of the best sleep podcasts available. They offer bedtime stories to help you forget your problems and lull you to sleep.
As you listen, the stories will progressively become more boring, making it easier for you to drift off into dreamland. So, climb into bed, press play, close your eyes, and let them help you fall asleep peacefully.
Boring Books for Bedtime
Boring Books for Bedtime is a podcast you can rely on to improve your sleep. It's a weekly podcast where the host reads something boring with a soothing voice to silence the brain chatter that can keep you awake.
They usually read outdated encyclopedias and old nonfiction books, or classic stories such as Aristotle, Thoreau, and even the 1897 Sears Catalog. The idea is to pick something that is not too interesting but not too boring, specifically for its soporific effect. It's a great option for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality throug a calm and unstimulating audio experience.
Nothing Much Happens
Do you have difficulty sleeping? If so, join Yoga and Meditation instructor Kathryn Nicolai for bedtime stories. The soothing stories aim to help you relax and fall peacefully by providing a gentle resting place for your mind.
Rather than allowing your brain to race through the same thoughts you've been chasing all day, detour to a calm and comfortable place. They tell the story twice, and the second time is slower to help you achieve a good night's sleep.
Sleep Whispers
The Sleep Whisperer Podcast, hosted by Dr. Craig Harris Richard, is your nightly escape into a world of calming sounds and gentle storytelling designed to help you unwind and drift off into deep, restful sleep. It incorporates soothing meditations, tranquil poems, fascinating stories, educational Wikipedia articles, and listener feedback.
Each episode features a soothing blend of soft-spoken narratives and tranquil ambient noises that ease the mind and soothe the soul. Sounds wonderful right?
This podcast is perfect for those who struggle with insomnia or seek a peaceful way to end the day. It turns bedtime into a peaceful, auditory retreat. Tune in to The Sleep Whisperer and let the quiet magic of its stories and sounds lull you into a rejuvenating sleep.
Soothing Nature Sounds
If you're looking for ways to create a calming environment and reduce anxiety, there are various popular options available. One such option is to listen to soothing nature sounds like rain, the crackling of a fireplace in the distance, or soft instrumental music.
These sounds can positively impact the mind and help create a tranquil auditory environment, aiding relaxation and providing a natural way to unwind after a long day. Additionally, several podcasts offer these sounds, making it easier to access them whenever you need them.
Sleepme Soothing Soundscapes
Dive into a world of tranquility with our Sleepme Mindfulness, a specially curated collection of audio files designed to help you relax and drift into a restful sleep. Each audio guide is crafted to create an ambiance conducive to relaxation and deep sleep throughout, from the calming rhythm of box breathing exercises to various soothing natural sounds.
Whether you're looking to unwind after a hectic day or seeking a peaceful pathway to sleep, our mindfulness collection offers the perfect auditory escape to help you achieve a state of calm and prepare for a good night's sleep of deep, rejuvenating rest.
Listen: Sleepme Mindfulness
Sleep and Relax ASMR
Sleep and Relax ASMR is a weekly podcast that offers audio experiences to assist with relaxation and sleep. The show incorporates various ASMR triggers, such as whispers, gentle speaking, and relaxing background noise, to help people unwind and relax from their busy lives.
They aim to create top-notch ASMR content that caters to your preferences, be it the sound of soothing waves, snow crunching on a mountain, a soft-spoken ramble, or whispered storytelling. There is something for you.
Slow Radio
Slow Radio by BBC offers calming music, ambient noise, nature sounds, and whispered discussions to help listeners relax, slow down, and sleep better.
At the start of every episode, host Verity Sharp provides a short description of what listeners can expect to hear, such as a day in the life of a dog or a compilation of birds chirping submitted by listeners. Following that, the listeners are taken on an immersive audio journey for 25 to 30 minutes.
There are over 100 episodes with different sounds to explore, and new episodes are released a few times each month.
Tracks to Relax
Tracks to Relax is a set of weekly guided meditations aimed at helping you nap or sleep better. Each episode focuses on a specific location, allowing you to meditate and drift off to sleep while being surrounded by the sounds of natural settings such as the beach, Canadian wetlands, and more.
If you're seeking a broader range in your calming playlists, Tracks to Relax provides options that include ambient sound episodes without any narration or storytelling.
Women’s Health and Wellness Podcasts
If you are looking for additional podcasts beyond stories and sleep, check out the best women's health and wellness podcasts. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from mental health and fitness to nutrition and self-care.
Podcasts feature expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips, they help women lead healthier and more balanced lives. Whether you're seeking inspiration, motivation, or valuable information, our curated list has something for everyone.
Discover More Podcasts to Enhance Your Listening Library
Can't catch those elusive Zzz's? You're definitely not alone. Millions struggle with sleep problems, but a restful night's sleep is within reach! We've listed some of our favorite sleep advice podcasts that offer expert tips and tricks to lull you to dreamland and wake you feeling refreshed.
Plus, don't miss our blog, which focuses on the best podcasts for women. Each one offers valuable insights and information on a range of topics relevant to modern women's lives, from physical health and self-care to relationships and personal growth. Explore these suggestions to enhance your podcast playlist and discover a wide range of content that suits your interests.
Final Thought
Our list of the best sleep podcasts includes a wonderful variety of shows, each offering a unique way to help you relax and fall asleep easily.
From relaxing sleep meditations to enchanting adult bedtime stories that whisk us away to a world of calm and serene soundscapes that provide a peaceful backdrop to our nights, these podcasts offer a variety of paths to restful sleep. They stand as a testament to the power of sound in enhancing our sleep quality and overall well-being.
Whether you seek knowledge, escapism, or a tranquil environment, the above selection of podcasts promises to cater to your needs. They will aid your journey towards quality sleep and, therefore, a healthier life. Let these podcasts be your nightly companions, guiding you gently into restorative sleep.
Citations/Resources
[1] Ink, Radio. “New Study Suggests Podcasts Are Becoming Essential to Sleep.” Radio Ink, 5 Sept. 2023. View Resource
[2] September 2023, Reem Makari 04. “More than Half of Listeners That Use Podcasts to Sleep Remember Ads the next Day.” 4 Sept. 2023. View Resource
[3] Howarth, Josh. “Number of Podcast Listeners (2022).” Exploding Topics, 18 Oct. 2022. View Resource
