If you’re looking for the best sleep podcast, you’re not alone. Many people turn to podcasts at night to help quiet racing thoughts and create a calming bedtime routine. Unlike regular shows, sleep podcasts are designed with one goal in mind: to help you relax and drift off.
Some of the most popular options include Sleep With Me, Nothing Much Happens, and Get Sleepy. Each offers a different approach, from gentle storytelling to soothing meditation and ambient sounds. These podcasts have built a loyal following because they make it easier to let go of the day and ease into sleep.
To make the experience even better, pair your favorite sleep podcast with the SleepEZ Bluetooth Sleep Mask. The mask blocks out light and delivers clear audio directly to your ears without tangled wires or bright screens. It’s the perfect combination for anyone who wants a peaceful, distraction-free night’s rest.
Why Podcasts Work for Sleep
Audio content helps you sleep in several ways. It distracts your mind from stress and anxiety. The right voices create a calm atmosphere that signals bedtime to your brain. Regular listening builds a sleep routine your body recognizes.
SleepEZ Bluetooth Sleep Mask takes this further. The comfortable fit blocks all light while delivering private, high-quality audio. No more choosing between darkness and sound. No more waking up your partner. Just pure, uninterrupted sleep support.
The 9 Best Sleep Podcasts
Here are the 9 best sleep podcasts we recommend for creating a calm and restful night. Whether you like gentle storytelling, guided meditations, or soothing soundscapes, these podcasts deliver a reliable way to unwind before bed.
1. Sleep With Me
Host: Drew Ackerman (aka "Dearest Scooter")
First aired: 2013
Episode length: 60+ minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Official Website
Drew Ackerman created this podcast after struggling with insomnia since childhood. Each episode features deliberately boring, meandering stories designed to help your mind drift off. Ackerman tells pointless tales filled with tangents, digressions, and circular plots that go nowhere by design.
The podcast works because boring content occupies just enough mental space to stop anxious thoughts without being engaging enough to keep you awake. With over 800 episodes available, you'll never run out of dull stories to help you sleep.
Best for: Overthinkers who need mental distraction without stimulation.
2. Nothing Much Happens: Bedtime Stories for Grown-Ups
Host: Kathryn Nicolai
First aired: 2017
Episode length: 20-25 minutes
Free episodes: Yes (with premium options)
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Official Website
Former yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai creates cozy stories with zero conflict or drama. Each episode tells the same story twice – first at normal speed, then slower to ease you into sleep. Stories feature simple, comforting scenarios like making soup, organizing a bookshop, or walking through fresh snow.
The podcast has been streamed over 180 million times. Nicolai's gentle voice and peaceful narratives create a safe mental space perfect for winding down. No cliffhangers, no tension, just pure comfort.
Best for: People who enjoy gentle storytelling and need complete relaxation.
3. Get Sleepy
Host: Thomas Jones (sleep concierge)
First aired: 2019
Episode length: 30-45 minutes
Free episodes: Yes (with premium subscriptions)
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
This podcast combines guided meditation with bedtime stories. Each episode starts with 5-10 minutes of breathing exercises and body relaxation techniques before transitioning into gentle narratives. Stories include nature walks, historical tales, and fantasy adventures told at a deliberately slow pace.
Host Thomas Jones has a particularly soothing British accent that listeners find instantly calming. The format helps both your body and mind prepare for sleep through structured relaxation.
Best for: People who want meditation combined with storytelling.
4. Sleep Meditation Podcast
Host: Various/No narration
First aired: 2018
Episode length: 30-60 minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Pure ambient soundscapes without any talking. Episodes feature consistent audio loops of thunderstorms, ocean waves, crackling fires, forest sounds, and even household noises like washing machines or air conditioners. The steady, predictable nature creates perfect white noise for sleep.
No sudden changes in volume or jarring sounds that might wake you. Each episode maintains the same audio level throughout, making it safe to play all night without disruption.
Best for: People sensitive to voices who prefer ambient sound for sleep.
5. Deep Energy Podcast
First aired: 2005
Episode length: 60+ minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Ambient instrumental music designed for deep relaxation and meditation. Episodes feature flowing synthesizers, gentle piano melodies, and layered nature sounds. No lyrics, no sudden volume changes, no jarring transitions that might startle you awake.
The music stays consistently soft and atmospheric throughout each episode. Artists create long-form compositions specifically designed to support sleep and deep relaxation rather than active listening.
Best for: Music lovers who find instrumental sounds more relaxing than voices.
6. Boring Books for Bedtime
Host: Various narrators
First aired: 2016
Episode length: 45-60 minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Official Website
Classic literature and historical texts read in deliberately monotonous voices. Recent episodes have featured works by Galileo, Aristotle, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and even the 1897 Sears Catalog. Narrators intentionally avoid dramatic reading, maintaining flat, sleep-inducing delivery throughout.
Perfect for people who want intellectual content without mental stimulation. The familiar structure of classic writing combined with boring delivery creates ideal conditions for drifting off.
Best for: Book lovers who want literary content without engaging plots.
7. Radiolab
Hosts: Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich
First aired: 2005
Episode length: 20-60 minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Official Website | NPR
This science podcast wasn't designed for sleep, but many listeners find it unexpectedly effective for bedtime. The hosts explore scientific and philosophical topics with calm, thoughtful discussion. Their steady voices and contemplative pacing create a soothing atmosphere without being overstimulating.
Episodes maintain consistent energy levels and avoid sudden excitement or loud segments. The interesting but not thrilling content gives your mind something gentle to focus on while drifting off.
Best for: Curious minds who want mildly interesting but calming content.
8. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Host: Peter Sagal with regular panelists
First aired: 1998
Episode length: 50 minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | NPR
This NPR news quiz show has a predictable three-segment format that many find comforting for sleep. The gentle humor and familiar structure create a relaxing routine without unpredictable surprises. Panelists maintain consistent energy levels with warm, friendly banter rather than loud excitement.
The show's long-running format means consistent pacing and tone across episodes. Regular listeners often find the familiar voices and format signals their brain that it's time to wind down.
Best for: NPR fans who find familiar voices and gentle humor relaxing.
9. The Moth
Format: Live storytelling without scripts
First aired: 1997
Episode length: 15-60 minutes
Free episodes: Yes
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Official Website
Real people tell true personal stories live on stage without notes or scripts. The natural storytelling rhythms and varied pacing can help quiet racing thoughts. Stories cover everything from childhood memories to major life changes, told in authentic, conversational styles.
For sleep, choose episodes with calmer themes like family memories, quiet revelations, or gentle adventures. Avoid intense or dramatic stories that might be too engaging for bedtime listening.
Best for: People who enjoy authentic human stories with natural, conversational pacing.
Getting the Most from Your SleepEZ Mask
- Set your volume low. You should hear the podcast clearly without it being loud. This prevents sudden sounds from waking you up.
- Make sure your mask fits snugly but not tight. The Bluetooth connection should feel stable, and the padding should block light completely.
- Create a routine. Use the same podcast or type of content each night. Your brain will start connecting the audio with sleep time.
- Charge your mask during the day. Nothing disrupts sleep like a dead battery halfway through the night.
- Start your podcast 15-20 minutes before you want to fall asleep. This gives you time to settle in and let the audio work its magic.
Sweet Dreams Start Here
Choosing the right sleep podcast can make a big difference for your nightly routine. Whether you prefer boring bedtime stories, calming ambient sounds, or a gentle guide to help you unwind, there's a podcast on this list for you.
Remember, the goal is to find a show that helps quiet your mind and signals to your body that it's time to rest. Consistency is key, so find what works for you and make it a part of your nightly ritual.
For a truly immersive, distraction-free experience, consider pairing your favorite podcast with a comfortable sleep mask. No matter your method, making a conscious effort to prepare your mind and body for sleep is the first step toward better, more restorative rest.
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