Winding down before bed can be difficult. Sometimes I like to put on a film I’ve watched a lot, or read a good book. However, sometimes all that does is wake me up even more, especially with all the lights beaming directly into my eyes. This is where podcasts come in. Just entertaining enough so they don’t feel like punishment, but not so exciting that I’m wide awake. I do also have podcasts I listen to to wake up, so I’m not saying they’re all boring/going to put you to sleep! But here are my picks of the best podcasts to listen to before bed.
A quick note – these podcasts are specifically picked for not giving you the ASMR ‘tingle’. I don’t know if anyone else feels the same way, but I don’t enjoy the feeling of my brain being tickled. But if you do love ASMR, there are lots of lists of podcasts to give you all the tingles you could want! These are my favourites because they put you to sleep, without all the whispering.
Slow Radio Podcast – BBC Sounds
Self-described as ‘an antidote to today’s frenzied world’, this podcast combines the best parts of ASMR, white noise, and music. Each episode takes inspiration from the natural world, with animal and nature sounds, as well as pieces of instrumental music, and layers them seamlessly over one another. The episodes are each around thirty minutes, perfect to fall asleep to. So lie back, relax, and get ready to soak in a ‘lo-fi celebration of pure sound’. I personally recommend Sounds of the Earth – June, but I’m really looking forward to the more autumnal episodes.
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Podcast with host Adam Graham
A podcast featuring vintage detective radio programs. Every week, Monday to Saturday, they feature six of Old Time Radio’s great detective series. From the beginning of the show to its very last episode. The intro does take me out of the zone a little bit, I’ll admit, but depending on the length of the episode you can just start it when you’re cleaning your teeth and it should still be playing once you’re settled in bed. I would personally recommend The Thin Man series, as I love Nick and Nora’s relationship, and The Thin Man films are some of our family favourites. (I couldn’t cope with the Father Brown series, as it was just not the same as the excellent BBC One TV show based on the same G.K.Chesterton books).
On Being Podcast with Krista Tippett
Hosted by Krista Tippett, this Peabody Award-winning podcast goes over the big questions of life. Every Thursday, there is a new conversation about spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, and the arts. Each episode of the show features a different guest with a different interpretation of the world. My personal pick to get started is this episode, What it Means to be Human with Jane Goodall, icon of exploration and chimpanzee expert. In the episode, she reflects on the moral and spiritual convictions that have driven her, and what she is teaching and still learning about what it means to be human.
Deep Energy Podcast
The Deep Energy Podcast from Jim Butler is a podcast of ‘ambient and new age music’. Perfect to put on when going to bed, or while meditating or doing yoga. This podcast is a beautiful collection of sounds. Every day, a new episode, around an hour long, is released. Last week an episode called Mythical Forest was released, which might be my favourite so far! If too much talking keeps you up at night, these sounds are sure to help you relax.
Sleep Talk Podcast
More of a podcast about sleep than a podcast to put you to sleep. Sleep Talk podcast relays quality, evidence-based information on sleep and sleep disorders from experts in the field. Each month, two Australian doctors, Dr Moira Junge and Dr David Cunnington, interview sleep experts, and discuss a different topic relating to sleep. Episode 58, Lighting and Sleep, was a really interesting look into how light can impact your sleep. This podcast is definitely not suited for those who can’t have any information coming at them. But if you used to find yourself dozing off in class, then this podcast might be perfect.
If podcasts truly aren’t your thing. Feel free to check out our list of books for reading for the longest nights. Or, if you’re looking for something completely different. Here is my list of the top three places I would love to wake up in.
