10 Best Podcasts About Sleep: Sleep Podcasts That Help You Relax
Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you find yourself tossing and turning, unable to quiet your mind? Perhaps you’ve tried everything from meditation to counting sheep, but nothing seems to work.
If you’re looking for a new strategy to help you get a better night’s sleep, consider turning to podcasts. With so many options available, there’s sure to be something that resonates with you and helps you drift off to dreamland.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sleep podcasts, including those offering relaxation techniques, bedtime stories, and expert advice on improving your sleep habits.
Some of these podcasts are boring, like the I Can’t Sleep. Literally, but that’s the point. To bore you to sleep.
Some of these are highly educational, like the Huberman Lab. You learn what you should do to get better sleep.
Podcasts to Help You Sleep
01
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The Sleepy Podcast
Hosted by Otis Gray, Sleepy is a podcast designed to help you fall asleep through bedtime stories, poetry, and other soothing content. Each episode features a relaxing reading of classic literature or a poem to help you unwind and drift off to sleep.
Website: sleepyradio.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher
02
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Sleep With Me
Hosted by Drew Ackerman, Sleep with Me is a podcast that provides “boring” bedtime stories to help you fall asleep. The stories are intentionally meandering and slow-paced, designed to lull listeners into relaxation and sleepiness.
Website: sleepwithmepodcast.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify
03
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Sleep Cove
Sleep Cove is a podcast that offers relaxing bedtime stories and meditations to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. The stories are designed to be soothing and peaceful, and the meditations can help you relieve stress and anxiety and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Website: sleepcove.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
04
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Huberman Lab
Andrew Huberman will discuss how our brain and nervous system control our perceptions, behaviors, and health. Episodes will cover sleep, learning, focus, neuroplasticity, fear, and stress. He will also discuss the impact of nutrition, exercise, supplements, prescription drugs, and electronic devices on us.
Website: hubermanlab.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
05
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Nothing Much Happens
Hosted by yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai, Nothing Much Happens features calming bedtime stories to help you relax and drift off to sleep. The stories are intentionally slow-paced and gentle, focusing on creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Website: nothingmuchhappens.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher
06
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Sleep Whispers
Sleep Whispers is a podcast that offers whispered readings of classic literature and other soothing content to help you fall asleep faster. Hosted by Harris (Dr. Craig Harris Richards), each episode features quiet and calming whispering designed to create a relaxing atmosphere. The podcast also includes ASMR content to promote relaxation and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Website: sleepwhispers.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
07
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Snoozecast
Snoozecast is a podcast that features calming bedtime stories read in a soothing tone to help you fall asleep faster. The stories are a mix of classic literature and original works, read by a group of narrators with unique styles. Snoozecast is perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing and peaceful bedtime story podcast.
Website: snoozecast.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
08
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Calm and Cozy Podcast
Calm + Cozy is a podcast that offers tips and advice for creating a peaceful and inviting home environment. Hosted by Beth Wyatt, each episode covers topics such as decluttering, organizing, and home design. The podcast is perfect for anyone who wants to create a more cozy and comfortable living space. She is having a break from public podcasting, but there are over eighty episodes available.
Website: sleepcoachbeth.com/calmandcozy
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
09
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Meditation Minis Podcast
Chel Hamilton, a hypnotherapist, offers award-winning 10-minute guided meditations to help relieve anxiety, overcome negative thinking, and increase confidence in her podcast.
Website: meditationminis.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
10
of 10
I Can’t Sleep
The “I Can’t Sleep” podcast by Benjamin Boster offers a unique way to fall asleep. He reads Wikipedia articles in a calm and soothing voice to help you drift off to sleep. For example, one episode is about long-distance calling and the days of switchboards and operators. Or you can fall asleep learning about pottery. Good luck staying awake with this.
Website: icantsleeppodcast.com
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Sleep Headphones to Listen to the Sleep Podcasts
Unique products, such as sleep headphones, are designed to help you listen to podcasts or music while you relax. These headphones are usually designed to be comfortable and non-intrusive.
However, finding a product that doesn’t cause discomfort is hard. We all are different, and we have different kinds of pillows. A product that works well for a back sleeper might not work well for a side sleeper.
This thin headband has adjustable speakers inside:
This eye mask has built-in speakers:
Sleep earbuds by Anker are small and comfortable enough to sleep in:
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What Is the Best Way to Listen to Sleep Podcasts?
Sleep podcasts, especially ASMR, work best with headphones. You can immerse yourself in the sounds. Headphones also block out any external noise that may disrupt your sleep.
But headphones might not be comfortable to wear while sleeping. So it depends on personal preference.
How to Disable Autoplay if You Want to Fall a Sleep During the Episode?
When listening to a podcast episode for sleep, you want to avoid multiple episodes playing out from the queue while sleeping.
Luckily, you can set most audio apps to not auto-play the queue or set a sleep timer to stop playing after a specific time.
For example, Apple Podcasts and autoplay setting: Head to the iPhone Settings, find Podcasts and turn Continuous Playback off.
Why Not Listen to an Audiobook or Youtube Instead?
Some podcast episodes have a suitable length to fall asleep without them playing throughout the night.
Also, podcasts meant to help you sleep don’t have loud noises (YouTube commercials, etc.) that might otherwise get your attention.
If you prefer visual stimulation before falling asleep, check out our article on the best movies to fall asleep to.
Why Not Just Fall Asleep in Silence?
While most people can fall asleep in complete silence, some find it difficult.
Listening to something provides calming and soothing background noise, lulling into a relaxed state.
That makes it easier to fall asleep, especially if you experience excessive mental chatter.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep and learn more about this essential aspect of our lives, then podcasts about sleep are a great place to start.
To practice good sleep hygiene, keep your phone away from your hands and face-down while listening to the podcast.
There’s a good chance you’ll fall asleep before the podcast ends, so be ready for bed before you start the episode.
Read more: Does ASMR Help You Sleep?
