What can I listen to to sleep better?

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It didn't take long for podcast enthusiasts to realize that, in addition to informing and entertaining, the medium had another handy use: helping listeners doze off. Here, 10 podcasts ideal for falling asleep, from meditative and ambient sounds to more narrative-driven fare.

Drew Ackerman created "Sleep with Me" all the way back in 2013, and he's been a go-to source for sleepy-time content ever since. Ackerman leads the listener through dull, overlong stories, complete with plenty of asides and tangents, all while maintaining a flat monotone—a recipe for sweet dreams if there ever was one.

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There are podcasts that are designed to inspire drowsiness, and then there are those that come upon it incidentally. "99% Invisible" belongs in the latter category. Host Roman Mars tells genuinely fascinating tales about how design impacts our lives, which deserve full, conscious attention—but he also happens to have one of the most soothing voices in the biz, making for an ideal bedtime listen. (Maybe just be sure to tune in again, once you've gotten a good night's rest.)

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More: The Best Podcasts of 2020

BBC Radio 3's "Slow Radio" calls itself an "antidote to today’s frenzied world," and it really is just that. Each episode taps into a different audio world, bringing listeners soundscapes from around the planet. Think of it as a more intellectual version of the traditional white noise offerings.

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The New Yorker: Fiction

Get lost in a tale from the New Yorker archives. The magazine's fiction editor, Deborah Treisman, welcomes literary acolytes from Margaret Atwood to David Sedaris on the show to read and discuss short stories from issues past. It's an intriguing daytime listen, but it can also serve as a trove of bedtime stories for the bookish.

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It's all in the title: "Nothing Much Happens" serves up low-stakes tales for those who like bedtime stories, but are at risk of getting hooked on anything too engaging or suspenseful. Feel safe dozing off knowing you'll miss absolutely nothing important.

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Yet another one for the "listen while awake, but also while falling asleep" list. Host Karina Longworth dives deep into Hollywood history, illuminating forgotten stories and shedding new light on Tinseltown legends. It's fascinating, deeply researched, and also extremely calming.

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Phoebe Judge rose to podcast fame as the host of the critically acclaimed "Criminal"—and fans loved her soothing voice as much as the take on the true crime genre. But violent crime and criminal justice abuses aren't exactly calming bedtime fare. Enter "Phoebe Reads a Mystery," a podcast that leverages Judge's tone for maximum drowsy effect, coupled with the more comforting subject matter of classic mysteries.

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Another podcast designed for the express purpose of lulling listeners asleep at night, "Sleepy" features classic stories (think Rapunzel or Oliver Twist), read aloud by host Otis Gray.

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Drew Ackerman of "Sleep with Me" turns his monotone to George R.R. Martin's fantasy world in "Game of Drones." Recounting the events of the series and adding in copious (sometimes wonderfully irrelevant) asides mined from the books, it's the ideal sleepy-time listen for fantasy enthusiasts—yes, even if you hated the final season.

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Radiolab's caliber of reporting is only matched by its masterful production value, spearheaded by composer-slash-host Jad Abumrad. The latter quality makes it ideal for drifting off, but be sure to re-listen again when well-rested enough to give it the attention it deserves.

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Do you find yourself staring up at the ceiling at night?
 
If you do, you’re not alone. Trying to fall asleep can be a real struggle. Whether you have a lot on your mind or just can’t get comfortable in bed, sometimes we need a little extra help to drift off to sleep. Perhaps what’s missing from your nighttime routine is listening to a sleep podcast.
 
Sleep-focused podcasts offer a variety of sleep inducers, like music, stories, and meditation. While we can’t guarantee sleep on podcasts like our mattresses, we think these podcasts are worth a listen to help make sleeping a little easier.
 
So, we rounded up 15 of the best sleep podcasts designed for sleep. Get ready to put on your coziest loungewear, turn on one of these babies, and hang on tight for your ride to Slumberville.

Best Podcasts for Sleep

Bedtime Stories Podcasts

Meditation Podcasts to Help You Sleep

Relaxing Podcasts

What is the Best Sound to Fall Asleep To?

We tend to think that we need peace and quiet to fall asleep. However, studies show that sounds can actually aid in getting some shuteye. Even when we’re in deep slumber, our brains are still able to perceive and process sounds. The sounds we pick up can be either relaxing or alarming, which varies for each individual.
 
Sleep podcasts often utilize different techniques for those who crave sleep. Try out some of these sleep-inducing sounds to see which ones are most relaxing for you.
 
Pink Noise 
Pink noise is a type of signal like white noise that mixes high and low frequencies. Small studies have found that pink noise can decrease the time it takes to sleep by 38 percent.
 
Examples of pink noise include rainfall, beach waves, and rustling leaves. Researchers suggest that water sounds, even when loud, rise and fall smoothly in intensity, so our brains see them as non-threatening. This is why many people swear by rain apps like Rainy Mood and Rain Rain Sleep Sounds to help them fall asleep.
 
Music 
We’re not talking about that catchy song on the radio. Instead, listen to music that has a steady rhythm, soft melodies, and lower pitches. Studies have shown that classical music can be a remedy for those who feel restless at night. A podcast like Classical Music Discoveries can be the perfect place to start listening to the classics.
 
Human Voices 
Sometimes, another human voice can just as relaxing as ambient sound. Scientists theorize that soft voices and sounds can trigger that ASMR sensation, helping us to relax and doze off. It’s estimated that as many as 40 percent of people can experience mild ASMR. Many apps like pzziz can help lull you into sleep with soothing voices.
 
With their easy and digestible format, podcasts are becoming increasingly popular. Sleep podcasts take it a step further by incorporating some sounds we need to help us catch some Zzs. The next time you are laying in bed with your eyes wide open, give these podcasts a try.

What should I listen to if I have insomnia?

Can listening to something help you fall asleep?