🎧 10 Best Sleep Podcasts, According to a Sleep Expert
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What Should You Look for in a Podcast to Help You Sleep?
The best sleep podcast is the one that helps you fall asleep. Everyone is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. Some people like listening to boring stories. Others prefer soft music or quiet sounds like ocean waves or rain.
For people who can’t stop their minds from racing at night, a podcast can be helpful because it gives them something gentle to focus on. This way, they aren’t stuck thinking about stressful things. The right podcast can quiet your thoughts and help you relax enough to drift off.
Should I Listen to Podcasts to Sleep?
I use podcasts to help me sleep when my husband snores, so I wanted to know if experts think it’s a good idea. While there isn’t a lot of research yet, a 2019 study by Edison Research showed that many people do use podcasts to relax before bed.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a sleep expert at Sleep Advisor, says that sleep podcasts can help sometimes — especially if you’re having a tough night. But he also warns that they shouldn’t be used every night forever. Our bodies sleep best in quiet and darkness. Sometimes the sounds from a podcast might even wake you up after you fall asleep.
So while podcasts can help once in a while, it’s still important to build good bedtime habits for long-term sleep health.
My 5 Favorite Sleep Podcasts to Help You Doze Off Quickly
1. Phoebe Reads a Mystery
This is the podcast I listen to the most when I want to sleep peacefully. The host, Phoebe Judge, has a very soft and calming voice. It reminds me of a cozy sweater that makes you feel warm and safe. I first heard her voice on a true crime podcast called Criminal, but that show isn’t great for sleep — it’s too intense.
Luckily, she also hosts Phoebe Reads a Mystery, where she reads classic stories like Jane Eyre, Moby Dick, and The Age of Innocence. These stories are old-fashioned and slow-paced, which makes them perfect for falling asleep.
2. Nothing Much Happens
This podcast is all about quiet, simple stories. The stories are made to be so uneventful that your brain doesn’t stay too active. You can just relax and slowly fall asleep.
One of my favorite episodes was called The Winter Quilt. It was about making a cozy quilt and watching snowflakes in car headlights. It gave me a peaceful feeling, like being wrapped in a warm blanket while snow falls outside. If you want something that’s calm and gentle, this podcast is a great choice.
3. Game of Drones: The Game of Thrones Sleep Aid
If you miss watching Game of Thrones and also struggle to sleep, you might like this one. The host, Drew Ackerman, talks about the show in a long, slow, and often boring way — which is actually a good thing when you’re trying to fall asleep!
Even if you don’t care about Game of Thrones, this podcast can still help because his voice and the way he talks make you feel very sleepy. It’s full of side notes and extra details that your brain doesn’t need to hold on to, which makes it easy to doze off.
4. Boring Books for Bedtime: A Quiet Little Sleepcast
Do you remember falling asleep while reading a textbook in school? This podcast recreates that feeling in a good way. The host reads from old books on dull topics in a quiet voice, and it’s surprisingly helpful for sleep.
Some examples include The 1945 Sears Christmas Book and The History of Bread. They’re interesting enough to listen to, but not exciting enough to keep you awake. Just be careful — if you pick a topic you actually like, it might have the opposite effect!
5. Drifting Off with Joe Pera
This podcast makes me smile before I fall asleep. Joe Pera is a gentle comedian, and in each episode, he and a guest have soft, simple conversations and tell sweet little jokes. There are also relaxing background sounds, like soft music or nature sounds, to help set the mood.
It’s the kind of podcast that makes you feel cozy and happy. You might even giggle a little before drifting off to sleep.
Other Notable Sleep Podcasts
Sleep With Me
This podcast has been around since 2013 and is one of the most well-known sleep podcasts out there. Drew Ackerman is the host, and he tells very long, slow stories with lots of tangents and little side adventures. It sounds silly, but that’s what makes it work. It’s great if your mind needs something low-key to listen to before bed.
The New Yorker Fiction
This podcast is special because famous writers like David Sedaris and George Saunders read short stories by other writers. I love it, but I didn’t include it in my favorites because sometimes the stories are too interesting and keep me awake. Still, if you love good writing and can relax without getting too invested, this one is lovely to fall asleep to.
99% Invisible
This show talks about how design shapes the world around us. The stories are fascinating, but the host, Roman Mars, has such a calm voice that it still helps me fall asleep. If you like learning new things but also want to relax, this podcast might be a great fit.
Slow Radio
Slow Radio is made by the BBC and features soft conversations and relaxing nature sounds. Each episode begins with the host, Verity Sharp, explaining what to expect. After that, it’s just quiet voices and gentle noises. You might even fall asleep before the episode really gets going — and that’s the goal!
Sleepy
This podcast is hosted by Otis Gray, who has a deep, relaxing voice. He reads old books and fairy tales like Pride and Prejudice, A Christmas Carol, and stories by Agatha Christie. The mix of a slow voice and gentle storytelling makes it very helpful when you want to sleep peacefully.
Additional Tips for Falling (and Staying) Asleep
Dr. Raj says podcasts can help sometimes, but it’s also very important to work on your overall sleep habits. If you have serious trouble sleeping, you might need more than just a podcast to help. Here are some simple sleep tips to follow:
Get a good mattress – A mattress that feels good and supports your body can make a big difference. The right one depends on your sleep position and body type.
Use gentle background sounds – If podcasts aren’t your thing, try a fan, sound machine, or noise apps. Sounds like white noise can help block out sudden noises during the night.
Keep your room cool – Your body sleeps best when the room is not too hot. A temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C) works well for most people.
Make the room dark – Light can keep you awake. Try blackout curtains or wear a sleep mask so your body makes more melatonin, the sleep hormone.
Follow a sleep schedule – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends. This helps train your body to sleep better.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol – Caffeine can stay in your body for hours and keep you awake. Alcohol can make you sleepy at first but can cause restless sleep later in the night.
Sleep Podcast FAQs
Should I listen to a podcast to fall asleep?
Yes, if it helps you relax. Many people use podcasts to calm their minds, block out noise (like snoring!), or simply create a bedtime routine. Just make sure the podcast is quiet and soothing. You don’t want something too exciting or scary before bed.
Are there benefits to listening to podcasts?
Yes. Podcasts can help lower stress, stop racing thoughts, and make bedtime feel more pleasant. They can be especially helpful if you have a hard time falling asleep.
How do I listen to podcasts?
It’s easy! You can listen on your phone, tablet, or computer. Use podcast apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts. Just search for the podcast name, press play, and get comfy in bed. Some apps even let you set a sleep timer so the podcast stops playing after a certain time.