Buzz
With podcasts now a universal phenomenon, there’s a show for every interest and need—including a curated selection to help you relax. Whether you’re seeking something engaging enough to quiet late-night worries, soothing enough to ease you into slumber, or just dull enough to avoid keeping you awake, we’ve got you covered. We’ve sifted through the most highly recommended sleep-inducing podcasts, selected the best, and added a few of our personal favorites to the mix.
Find Your Perfect Podcast
Choose a podcast that aligns with your preferences—but not so much that it keeps you awake. Explore curated lists from MakeUseOf, the Ringer, Slate, Mental Floss, Castbox, Stylist, and Refinery29. Additionally, check out these two threads on Reddit. With countless options available, focus on shows that instantly catch your interest and select individual episodes. Don’t stress about following a storyline—just enjoy the moment. Here are some of our top picks:
Desert Oracle Radio
Many people enjoy drifting off to Welcome to Night Vale, a scripted podcast set in a desert town where every conspiracy theory comes to life. However, I also suggest its non-fiction companion, Desert Oracle Radio.
Host Ken Layne delivers his monologues with the demeanor of a conservationist Art Bell, blending a gruff tone and late-night cadence that makes even his fiery critiques of government secrets, climate change impacts, and corporate greed oddly soothing for the daring night owl.
Mythos
Folklore-themed podcasts are perfect for nighttime listening. One standout is Mythos, where creator Nicole Schmidt masterfully weaves storytelling with historical insights, all delivered in a calming, bedtime-friendly voice. For example, the first episode delves into tales of faeries snatching babies and causing mischief, examines broader faerie lore, and connects these myths to Britain’s history of invasions, suggesting how the legend of the “fey folk” might have emerged.
Other delightful (and occasionally eerie) folktale podcasts to explore include Singing Bones, Oddity, and the renowned Lore.
In Our Time
In Our Time features British scholars delving into a historical figure, period, or idea each episode. I find this podcast both lively and captivating, as does the Ringer, though many blogs suggest its soothing accents and thorough explorations of topics like Bruegel the Elder’s significance make it ideal for bedtime. Even when the subject fascinates me, I can see how the detailed discussions might lull one to sleep.
Other history podcasts perfect for drifting off include The History of Rome, The History of England, and Revolutions. If you manage to stay awake through In Our Time (especially newer episodes), you’ll be rewarded with the calming final moments where the producer offers tea to the guests.
Story Not Story
Story Not Story introduces itself as: “Married duo, Craig & Chyna, share improvised bedtime stories with each other.” It’s utterly charming. Their laughter and reactions to each other’s whimsical tales add a playful touch. While they’re more animated than other sleep-focused storytellers, adjusting the volume ensures a cozy listening experience.
The genuine affection between the two hosts makes their conversations a joy to listen to, creating a warmer atmosphere than solo-hosted shows. Craig, also known as YouTube vlogger Wheezy Waiter, has been creating videos for over a decade, offering a comforting sense of familiarity for long-time fans.
Sleep With Me
Sleep With Me is the most renowned podcast for bedtime listening, boasting over 700 episodes. Host Drew Ackerman, aka Scooter, releases two hour-long episodes weekly, featuring original tales or detailed recaps of shows like Star Trek: TNG and The Good Place. His tangents about McMansions, aliens, or his thoughts help dissolve any narrative tension, making it easier to relax.
It’s unclear if Ackerman’s quirky voice is intentional or natural, but it’s soothing either way. His lighthearted tone makes it effortless to tune out and fall asleep.
While most podcast apps display only the latest 300 episodes, you can access older episodes of Sleep With Me here. Alternatively, skip the TV recaps and lengthy segments by tuning into the Sleep to Strange feed for original stories.
Everything Is Alive
Another excellent podcast for daytime listening, Everything Is Alive, features interviews with inanimate objects. NPR producer Ian Chillag chats with comedians and actors who embody roles like a lamppost, a bar of soap, or even a grain of sand. The conversations are calm and reflective, with guests like Ana Fabrega and Maeve Higgins chosen for their warmth and charm, avoiding any hint of cheesiness. I’m still hoping for Joe Pera to join as, perhaps, a pair of trousers.
The Catapult
Fiction read-aloud podcasts are perfect for bedtime. Popular picks include the New Yorker’s The Writer’s Voice, where authors narrate their own works from the magazine, and The Classic Tales Podcast, offering readings of timeless stories like Peter Pan, “The Purloined Letter,” and “The Descent of Man.”
However, my personal favorite is The Catapult, hosted by my friend (and occasional Mytour contributor) Jaime Green. Though the podcast concluded in 2016 after 53 episodes, all episodes remain available. Each short installment features readings (both fiction and non-fiction) by two authors, preceded by Green’s thoughtful introductions. Notable guests include Helen Ellis, Jazmine Hughes, Tony Tulathimutte, Michael Ian Black, and Edan Lepucki. The podcast’s website also highlights additional works by the featured authors.
Listen Different
Listening to podcasts at bedtime requires a different approach compared to daytime listening. You’ll need to adopt new habits to make the experience more relaxing.
Invest in Bluetooth headphones. This allows you to keep your phone away from your bed, reducing the temptation to check it and expose yourself to blue light. It also prevents your phone from falling on the floor if you move around while sleeping.
Opt for an affordable or durable pair of headphones. This way, when you’re ready to fall asleep, you can simply remove them and toss them onto your bed or even the floor without worry.
Before using a podcast to help you sleep, test it during the day, preferably in the evening. This lets you gauge how soothing it is without risking your sleep. If the show is too energetic, loud, or filled with intrusive ads, you won’t lose any rest over it.
If you can gauge how long it takes you to fall asleep—which might require some experimentation—set your podcast app’s sleep timer to automatically stop playback. Look for the clock icon in your app’s settings. Here’s how to enable it on Apple Podcasts:
If a particular episode isn’t helping you relax, feel free to skip to the next one. A great bedtime podcast doesn’t demand you follow a continuous narrative. It’s flexible, allowing you to tune in and out as you please. Sleep well, and perhaps dream of Ira Glass.
