Why bedtime stories for adults could be the secret to better sleep
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Who said bedtime stories are just for kids? Calm’s Sleep Stories for adults create a mindful, relaxing transition to sleep — helping you unwind, de-stress, and rest deeply.
A lot of people have sweet childhood memories of snuggling under the covers and listening to a bedtime story before they drifted off.
But somewhere along the line, you probably traded that cozy routine for late-night doomscrolling or an occasional TV binge that leaves you more wired than relaxed.
It’s time to bring back bedtime stories — gentle, slow, immersive storytelling that lulls your mind into a state of deep relaxation. Best of all, Calm has hundreds of Sleep Stories for you to choose from.
Research shows that listening to a bedtime story can be a powerful way to transition from the mayhem of the day to the calm of the night. These tales also give your busy mind something soothing to focus on, and unlike scrolling through social media or watching TV, bedtime stories work with your body’s natural sleep cues instead of against them.
If you’re tired of tossing and turning all night, a bedtime story might be your best path forward.
What are bedtime stories for adults (aka Sleep Stories)?
Bedtime stories for adults are pretty much exactly what they sound like: They’re soothing and slow-paced narratives that help your brain shift into a more relaxed mode. Calm has hundreds of them, called Sleep Stories, available now.
The main difference between these bedtime stories and your typical book or podcast is that they’re made to be relaxing rather than thrilling or exciting. They’re purposefully gentle and atmospheric so that your mind can slowly drift off and fall asleep.
A few genres of Calm’s Sleep Stories include:
Guided visualizations: These types of narratives try to get you to imagine yourself in a peaceful setting. Their focus is all about sensory details—what you’d see, hear, and feel—so that you can better picture yourself in that tranquil scene.
Soft-spoken narratives: A meandering tale about an old bookshop in Paris is an example of a soft-spoken narrative. It’s a more traditional style of storytelling, except it has a few big differences, like slow pacing, a soothing voice, and light themes that lull you into rest rather than keep you alert.
Mindfulness-infused storytelling: This kind of storytelling combines the calming effects of a story with elements of meditation, like deep breathing and body relaxation. The goal is to help you release tension and ease into sleep in a way that feels natural and seamless.
Classic literature with a twist: There are also Sleep Stories that take well-loved classics like “Pride and Prejudice” and edit them down into slow, dreamy versions. Because you know how it ends, you’re not hanging on to every word.
5 science-backed benefits of stories for relaxation
Your brain typically needs a transition at the end of the day to help gently guide it from the overstimulation of the day to the serenity of the night. Bedtime stories can help you do just that. In addition, they can help lower your stress hormones and improve your sleep quality.
Here are five ways bedtime stories can help you get the rest you deserve:
1. They engage the imagination while quieting stress: A bedtime story can help redirect your focus away from daytime anxieties and onto something a little more peaceful. Studies also suggest that storytelling may help lower your stress hormones, like cortisol, which can then make it easier for you to sleep.
2. They create a mindful transition to sleep: A good bedtime routine helps to tell your body that it’s time to get ready for rest, and Sleep Stories act as a natural bridge between being awake and asleep. These stories help to shift your brain from being active to being relaxed and dreamy.
3. They help you reduce screen time before bed: The light from screens may impact your melatonin production, making it harder for you to fall asleep. Listening to a Sleep Story can help your brain naturally prepare for rest.
4. They help with insomnia and restless thoughts: Sleep Stories can help provide gentle mental engagement for anyone who experiences insomnia or racing thoughts at night.
5. They enhance sleep quality: Taking in a bedtime story has been linked to improved sleep duration and quality. The key is to make it a ritual to reinforce better sleep habits.
How to use Sleep Stories: 4 tips for better sleep
Adding a Sleep Story to your bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Experiment with a few options to discover which ones help you get more restorative sleep, keeping these tips in mind.
1. Determine what type of story relaxes you the most
Each story is specifically crafted to relax your mind and body, but different people prefer different types of stories.
Some find nature journeys most relaxing, while others prefer gentle fiction. And if you just want to be lulled to sleep by your favorite stars (think: Harry Styles, Kate Winslet, Idris Elba, and Jennifer Garner), that works too.
💙 Let Harry Styles lull you to sleep in his Sleep Story, Dream with Me.
2. Set the scene for maximum coziness
Pairing your Sleep Story with a bedtime routine can set you up for a good night’s rest. Here are a few things you can do:
Dim the lights about an hour before bedtime.
Get physically comfortable — consider stretching it out and changing into comfy PJs.
Avoid caffeine after 4pm.
Try incorporating a wind-down ritual, like sipping herbal tea or taking deep breaths.
In addition, here are 10 healthy sleep habits to help you get your best rest yet.
💙 Travel up the scenic coast of Norway with Erik Braa during The Nordland Night Train Sleep Story.
3. Make it a nightly habit
You don’t have to wait until you feel exhausted to listen to a Sleep Story. In fact, it’s better if you start it as soon as you get into bed. This way, your brain will slowly begin to associate these stories with sleep.
💙 Take a mental trip to South Korea and listen to Women of Water with Lourdes Faberes as you peacefully doze off.
4. Don’t stress if you don’t fall asleep right away
Sometimes your brain just isn’t going to cooperate, and you’re still going to be awake at the end of the sleep story — and that’s okay.
Whenever this happens, try your best to relax. The harder you push yourself to fall asleep, the harder it becomes to actually drift off.
Here are a couple of things you could do if you’re still awake at the end of your Sleep Story:
Restart the story from an earlier point.
Practice some deep breathing. (Here are eight of the best breathing exercises for sleep.)
Let your mind drift with a different story instead of trying to force sleep and just getting frustrated.
💙 Join Willy Wonka and Charlie on a journey through the Chocolate Factory in Charlie and the Dream Factory.
Bedtime stories for adults FAQs
How do Sleep Stories work?
Sleep Stories work by helping to give your brain a gentle and relaxing focus as you transition from being awake to being asleep. The slow nature of these stories can help you let go of tension and more easily drift off.
They may also help lower stress hormones like cortisol and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to relax and prepare for deep sleep.
Are bedtime stories good for adults?
Bedtime stories are helpful for everyone, but adults might actually need them even more than children.
Calm’s Sleep Stories can help create a structured way for you to transition from the stress of the day to a calmer state. Plus, there’s a reason people have gathered around fires, books, and audio recordings for years and years — it’s comforting, and it can be deeply effective in helping us to unwind.
Can I read instead of listening to a bedtime story?
As long as you’re cautious of the content you’re taking in, reading a book before bed can be a great way to help you relax. To make sure you’re not too stimulated before sleep, consider avoiding intense reads like psychological thrillers.
As a good rule of thumb, the best books for bedtime are usually gentle, slow-paced, and a little predictable. Classic literature and nature writing are usually safe bets.
Also, if you end up finding that holding a book or turning pages keeps you a little too engaged, try switching to an audiobook or a guided sleep story to help you wind down.
Do bedtime stories work for people with insomnia?
If you struggle with insomnia, bedtime stories might be just what you need. They’re not a magical cure, but they can offer a non-stressful way to manage your restlessness.
Usually one of the biggest reasons people experience insomnia is because they have an overactive mind. Sleep Stories can help provide a gentle distraction for your racing thoughts. Plus, by slowing your heart rate, which can help make you feel more sleepy.
Do Sleep Stories help me practice mindfulness?
Sleep Stories can help you practice mindfulness without you even being aware. After all, a lot of them contain mindfulness techniques like guided breathing and visualization. Even just focusing on the story (instead of letting your thoughts spiral) is a form of mindfulness.
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