You know those nights when your brain just won’t turn off? When all you want is to find some peace, relax, and drift off into a restful sleep, but your mind has other plans? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this, and one of the best ways to help yourself unwind is by listening to a relaxing podcast. Sleep podcasts are a wonderful solution, helping you escape from the day’s stresses and providing a gentle nudge towards dreamland. So, if you’re looking for the perfect sleep companion, here’s a list of some of the best sleep podcasts for relaxation.
1. Sleepy: Classic Literature Read Aloud
Imagine cozying up in bed and having someone read a classic story to you. That’s exactly what you get with “Sleepy”, a podcast where Otis Gray reads out classic literature in a calm, soothing tone. There’s something about the timeless works of Charles Dickens or Jane Austen that just feels comforting—like a familiar friend.
With “Sleepy,” you’re in good company, and the gentle narration makes it easier for your mind to relax and slowly wander off. You’ll likely never hear the end of these stories, which is entirely the point! You can access this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. To enhance your sleep environment, consider using a soft, comfortable eye mask like the MZOO Sleep Eye Mask (available on Amazon). It has memory foam and provides a comfortable, total blackout experience, allowing you to better focus on the story and drift off peacefully.
2. Nothing much happens; Bedtime Stories for Grown-ups
As its title suggests, “Nothing much happens” is all about helping you relax by narrating stories where… well, nothing much happens. Kathryn Nicolai, the creator and narrator, designs each story to be calm and uneventful—exactly what you need to escape the day’s chaos. Kathryn’s voice is incredibly soothing, and the stories are written to evoke the cozy, mundane moments we all find so relaxing, like a quiet walk through the park or a peaceful afternoon at a café.
This podcast is perfect for winding down because it doesn’t stimulate your mind with action or suspense—just a calm, gentle escape. If you enjoy aromatherapy while listening, try the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser (available on Amazon). Many listeners find that pairing lavender essential oil with bedtime stories makes a huge difference in their ability to fall asleep.
3. Sleep With Me
“Sleep With Me” is one of the most popular sleep podcasts out there, and for good reason. Drew Ackerman, the host, tells long, winding stories specifically designed to bore you to sleep. Drew’s tone is warm and conversational, and the stories are meant to be intriguing enough to distract you from your own thoughts, but not so engaging that they keep you awake. They’re just the right amount of quirky, confusing, and dull—perfect for putting you to sleep.
If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of white noise along with Drew’s rambling stories, you might want to consider the LectroFan White Noise Machine (available on Amazon). This highly-rated white noise machine provides a variety of sounds, such as fan noise, ocean waves, and ambient noise that can blend with the podcast and help lull you into a deep sleep.
4. Calm Pills
For those who love ambient music, “Calm Pills” is a beautiful mix of chillout, ambient, and instrumental music curated by DJ Borhan. Each episode is a collection of dreamy, relaxing tracks meant to help you let go of stress and relax deeply. It’s perfect for creating a tranquil space before bed, and the calming sounds can transport you to serene places far away from the worries of your day.
Listening to music can be even more enjoyable with the right headphones. The SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Headband (available on Amazon) is a highly-rated product specifically designed for listening in bed. It’s comfortable enough to wear while lying down and ensures that you can enjoy the music without disturbing anyone else in the room.
5. Tracks To Relax: Guided Sleep Meditations
If you need something a bit more structured, “Tracks To Relax” is an excellent podcast offering guided sleep meditations. The host’s calming voice guides you through relaxing visualizations and meditative exercises, helping you let go of any tension in your body and mind. These meditations are great if you tend to lie in bed worrying about things that happened during the day or what you need to do tomorrow. The guidance provides a focus that makes it easier to stop those intrusive thoughts.
To enhance your comfort during guided meditations, consider using a weighted blanket like the YnM Weighted Blanket (available on Amazon). Many people find that the gentle pressure of a weighted blanket helps them feel secure and calm, reducing anxiety and making it easier to focus on the meditation.
6. Get Sleepy
“Get Sleepy” is a lovely blend of bedtime stories and sleep meditation, hosted by Tom Jones, whose gentle voice is ideal for relaxation. Each episode includes a brief wind-down meditation, followed by a story crafted to take you away from everyday stresses. The stories are often inspired by calming themes—like wandering through peaceful forests or exploring cozy cottages—and are specifically designed to encourage a good night’s rest.
Pair “Get Sleepy” with a comfortable body pillow, like the Snuggle-Pedic Full Body Pillow (available on Amazon), which can help you find the perfect position and make your bed feel even more inviting as you relax and listen.
7. Sleepy Time Mumbles
“Sleepy Time Mumbles” by comedian Maddy Kelly is a more unconventional approach to sleep podcasts, but it’s incredibly effective. Maddy mumbles about random, silly topics that are intentionally unstructured, making it difficult for your mind to grab onto any details. The humor is soft and understated, creating a relaxing atmosphere that doesn’t overexcite you—just the right level to make you smile, unwind, and drift off.
If you struggle with staying asleep because of nighttime noise, adding a pair of Loop Quiet Earplugs (available on Amazon) to your routine can help. These earplugs are comfortable and effective at blocking out noise without the uncomfortable bulk of traditional earplugs.
8. The Sleepy Bookshelf
If you’re someone who loves classic stories but wants something a bit more curated for sleep, “The Sleepy Bookshelf” is a fantastic option. This podcast features soothing readings of classic books like Peter Pan or The Secret Garden, with the stories adapted to encourage relaxation and sleep. The host’s gentle voice and slow pace are perfect for easing your mind as you sink into the comfort of your bed.
Many listeners find that pairing “The Sleepy Bookshelf” with the soft glow of a Himalayan Salt Lamp (available on Amazon) helps set the mood for bedtime. The gentle amber light creates a cozy, peaceful environment, allowing your eyes and mind to relax.
9. Slow Radio
“Slow Radio” by BBC Radio 3 is the perfect podcast for those who want to escape through soundscapes rather than stories. Each episode takes you to different places through carefully recorded natural sounds—whether it’s birds chirping in a forest, gentle waves lapping against a shore, or the comforting sound of rain. It’s like a mini audio vacation, helping you forget about your worries and become completely absorbed in the present moment.
If you’re the type who loves a comforting, weighted sensation while listening to ambient soundscapes, consider using a calming lap blanket like the Huggaroo Plush Weighted Lap Pad (available on Amazon). It’s small but effective for grounding yourself and adding to the feeling of relaxation.
10. Meditative Story
For a combination of storytelling and meditation, “Meditative Story” offers guided meditation intertwined with narrative storytelling. Each episode is designed to help you relax while also delivering a message that brings comfort or inspiration. It’s a bit more mindful than your average sleep podcast and perfect for those evenings when you need to relax but also want something meaningful.
Pair this podcast with a Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow (available on Amazon), which allows you to adjust the fill to find your perfect comfort level. Being physically comfortable makes it that much easier to sink into a meditative story and find yourself drifting off as the story unfolds.
Tips for Making the Most of Sleep Podcasts
Listening to sleep podcasts is a great way to unwind, but there are a few things you can do to make them even more effective for improving your sleep quality:
- Establish a Bedtime Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to good sleep. Choose a podcast that you like and make it part of your regular bedtime routine. Over time, your brain will start to associate the podcast with sleep, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Use Comfortable Equipment: Comfort is crucial when you’re trying to relax. Products like the SleepPhones Wireless Headband or Loop Quiet Earplugs can make a big difference in your comfort level while listening.
- Set a Timer: Most podcast apps allow you to set a timer to stop playing after a certain period. This way, you won’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night and realizing the podcast is still playing.
- Create a Relaxing Environment: Consider using tools like an essential oil diffuser, Himalayan salt lamp, or weighted blanket to make your sleep environment as relaxing as possible. Creating a cozy, inviting space can make all the difference when it comes to falling asleep.
- Listen Mindfully: Try to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Focus on the story, music, or sounds without letting your thoughts drift to daily worries or to-do lists. Sleep podcasts work best when you allow them to gently guide your mind away from stress and towards relaxation.
Finding Your Favorite Sleep Podcast
Ultimately, the best sleep podcast is the one that works for you. Everyone’s relaxation style is different—some prefer storytelling, others find ambient sounds most soothing, and some enjoy guided meditation. The beauty of sleep podcasts is that there are so many options to choose from, so take the time to explore and discover the one that helps you relax and sleep soundly.
With this list of the best sleep podcasts, you’re well on your way to finding your perfect relaxation companion. Pair your listening experience with one of the highly-rated products available on Amazon to enhance your comfort, and soon you’ll be enjoying nights full of restful, peaceful sleep. Sweet dreams!