9 Best Podcasts for Sleep—Say Goodbye to Restless Nights
Do you toss and turn at night, struggling to quiet your mind and fall asleep? Podcasts may be just what you need. Read on to learn about the best podcasts for sleep.
Feb 3rd, 2021 •
It seems like there is a podcast about everything these days. And once you jump into the podcast world, it is tough not to form something of a habit. Put your love for podcasts to good use as a tool to help you get better sleep.
There are many podcasts designed specifically to help us fall asleep, and others whose relaxing or interesting stories inadvertently serve the same purpose. You can try out sleep meditation, relaxing music, or bedtime stories to find what works best for you. Podcasts are a great substitute for more stimulating activities like watching TV before bed, allowing you to peacefully transition into slumber.
Our Top Picks for the 9 Best Sleep Podcasts
Podcast #1: Sleep with Me
Sleep with Me is a unique podcast designed with one thing in mind: to stop insomnia in its tracks. Host Drew Ackerman graces listeners with his kind, monotonous tone as he goes on for one full hour sharing his own string of wisdom on various topics. This podcast gets rave reviews from its fans, so it might be worth a try if you fight to fall asleep at night.
Podcast #2: Deep Energy 2.0
Deep Energy 2.0 is great for those looking for a calming musical experience. Musician Jim Butler creates 30-60 minute musical experiences intended for relaxation, meditation, and yoga. Listening to this type of music can help you clear your mind and enter dreamland.
Podcast #3: Welcome to Night Vale
Do you remember story time when you were little? Your parents would read you bedtime stories, often one with a fantastical vibe, to distract your young mind and allow it to ease into sleep without your even noticing. Well, the same trick can work on the adult brain, too.
Welcome to Night Vale is a radio show about the fictional town Night Vale. You will be met by odd stories and strange events, both interesting and distracting. By the end of the show, your brain should be disconnected from you daily worries and to-do’s, allowing you to get a good night’s rest.
Podcast #4: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
In the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham shares detective tales in a vintage old time radio style. You will feel transported in time as you are guided through intriguing mysteries in the way your great grandparents once were—slowly and deliberately.
With the contrast to our fast-paced way of life, these mellow stories are a great transition into sleep. Keep in mind that episodes are on the long side—around 1.5 hours long—which makes them a good option for when you want to head to bed but still do not feel tired.
Podcast #5: Daily Meditation Podcast
Listen to Mary Meckley’s soothing voice in Daily Meditation Podcast as she takes you through guided meditations designed to let go of negative thoughts, practice mindfulness, or direct your love inwards. These meditation podcasts are not designed specifically with sleep in mind, but they do slow down an overactive brain and allow you to work through things that might be keeping you awake.
Podcast #6: Game of Drones
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, it might be tough to imagine anyone repackaging it in such a way as to make you sleepy. But this is just what Drew Ackerman achieves in his Game of Thrones recaps titled Game of Drones. Listening to a calm, incredibly slow recap is a fun way to fall asleep.
Podcast #7: Meditation Minis
Are you new to meditation, or would you simply prefer something short, sweet, and to the point? In Meditation Minis, hypnotherapist Chel Hamilton guides you through 10-minute meditations. You can choose one specifically for sleep, or something geared more towards mental health, such as work or relationships.
Podcast #8: New Yorker Fiction
The New Yorker is well-known for its engaging and well-written articles. In the New Yorker Fiction podcast, you get to spend an hour listening to impeccable works of literary art. We love this podcast for those who are transitioning away from television as it provides similar entertainment with less stimulating blue light.
Podcast #9: Sleep and Relax ASMR
Some people will experience a rush of tingles that starts at their scalp and moves down their spine when they hear certain noises. This experience is known as autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).
The Sleep and Relax ASMR podcasts encourage this relaxing, enjoyable sensation. Even if you are not someone who experiences ASMR, the podcasts include recordings that encourage sleep and relaxation, such as waves, whispered storytelling, and ambient noise.
Conclusion
If you have trouble falling asleep at night, a sleep podcast might be just what you need to drift to sleep more easily. Try out multiple podcasts to figure out which style is best for you.
