If you want to change up your bedtime routine, check out these 5 great stories to fall asleep at night. Expect better sleep, a sharper mind, and less stress.

5 great stories to fall asleep at night

As the day's hustle and bustle comes to a close, finding the perfect way to wind down and transition to a peaceful night's sleep can often be a challenge. One delightful solution lies in a practice often reserved for children: bedtime stories. But, who said that engaging narratives and soothing voices are just for kids? Delving into a world of enchanting tales, mesmerizing characters, and calming atmospheres can provide the ideal unwinding pathway for adults too. Welcome to the magical world of bedtime stories for grown-ups, a curated collection of narratives designed to promote tranquility and a deep, restful sleep. Let's embark on this nighttime journey with five splendid stories guaranteed to guide you into the realm of sweet dreams.

Best 5 goodnight stories for adults

Just as our younger counterparts find comfort and calm in sleepy tales, adults too can benefit from a good night's story. Bedtime stories for grown-ups can be an integral part of your bedtime routine, aiding better sleep and overall well-being. Here are five fantastic goodnight tales for adults, sure to transport you to dreamland.

Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai

As the name suggests, Nothing Much Happens specializes in short bedtime stories where, well, nothing much happens. These calm sleep stories are designed to help your mind stop racing, offering a calm, safe space to unwind before sleep. The simple, easy-to-follow narratives make them a perfect choice for those suffering from sleep disturbances.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

This coming-of-age tale set in 1964 South Carolina follows 14-year-old Lily Owens, who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. She eventually finds solace in a trio of beekeeping sisters. It's a story of healing, and the tenderness of the characters might provide comfort as a bedtime story.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

This love story revolves around Henry, a time traveler, and Clare, his wife who has to cope with his spontaneous temporal adventures. The bittersweet love story, wrapped in elements of science fiction, might provoke thoughts about love, fate, and time before sleep.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a boy named Jonas is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world. This book might inspire dreams about possibilities, individuality, and the understanding of one's self.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This novel creates an enchanting world around a mysterious circus that arrives without warning and is only open at night. The central plot is a competition between two young magicians, Celia and Marco. Their romantic entanglement adds an extra layer of intrigue and beauty to this story.

Honorable mentions

Although we’ve already covered the top 5 best bedtime stories for adults, here are a few more honorable mentions. Immersing yourself in a good story at bedtime can significantly improve your sleep. So why wait? Begin your journey into dreamland tonight with a good bedtime story and have a restful night filled with sweet dreams.

Whispers of Olympus series by Bill Hiatt

Immerse yourself in this Greek mythology series for grown-ups mythical realm of Greek gods and goddesses with "Whispers of Olympus.” The unique blend of timeless tales and soothing sounds will take you on an enchanting journey through the land of Olympus. Each story is narrated in clear, crisp English, with a gentle, calming cadence that creates a perfect atmosphere for sleep.

Hills like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway

This poignant short story is a dialogue-driven narrative between a man and a woman waiting for a train in Spain. The cryptic conversation is an allegory for a significant decision they must make, presumably about an unplanned pregnancy. It's a deep and thoughtful piece that leaves much to the interpretation, invoking introspection and promoting late-night conversations.

Ghosts and Empties by Lauren Groff

In this story, a woman takes late-night walks through her neighborhood, using the quiet time to reflect on her life, her relationships, and the changing world around her. This contemplative narrative offers readers a chance to reflect on the hidden depths of seemingly ordinary life, making it an ideal bedtime story for adults.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

This classic narrative is about a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world filled with peculiar creatures and bizarre happenings. It's also filled with layers of metaphor and symbolism that make for stimulating contemplation. As a bedtime story, Alice's unexpected adventures offer an escape from the mundane, pulling listeners into a whimsically absurd dreamscape where anything is possible. The colorful characters and thought-provoking riddles could lead to sweet dreams and a restful sleep.

With the Beatles by Haruki Murakami

A story of memory and loss, the narrator recalls a brief but impactful encounter with a girl in high school who loved the Beatles. This story provides an evocative exploration of nostalgia and longing that is signature of Murakami's style, leaving readers with a bittersweet melancholy.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set in World War II France, it is a story of two sisters who endure heartbreak, loss, and resilience in the face of war. It offers a captivating exploration of the human spirit, which might promote deep thoughts and emotional introspection for readers before bedtime.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This is a philosophical tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of discovering a worldly treasure. His journey leads to self-discovery and enlightenment. It's a calming read before sleep and offers wisdom about listening to your heart and following your dreams.

More ways to fall asleep

If you’ve already enjoyed all of the recommendations above, here are a few more ways to drift off to sleep:

New York Dreaming

Take a virtual tour of the sparkling skyline of New York with New York Dreaming. This calm sleep story transports you through the bustling streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and awe-inspiring skyscrapers of The Big Apple, narrated with a soothing voice and interspersed with the ambient sounds of the city. As you glide through the city that never sleeps, you'll find yourself unwinding and drifting into a deep sleep.

ASMR – The Apple Orchard

Join a young girl on a mesmerizing journey through a sprawling apple orchard in ASMR – The Apple Orchard. The carefully crafted ASMR elements, paired with a charming narrative, offer a unique sensory experience. From the rustle of leaves to the crunch of fresh apples, the ASMR effects in this story promote relaxation, lulling you into a tranquil, sleepy state.

The Stardust Tales - Guided sleep meditation

The Stardust Tales combines the power of guided sleep meditations with the charm of fairy tales. Allow your mind to journey through the celestial sky, as the narrator's soothing voice weaves a story that will ease you into a good night’s sleep. Feel your body relax and your mind calm as you visualize the stars and the infinite sky.

Sleep With Me podcast

With a soothing voice and a naturally slow-paced storytelling style, Drew Ackerman's podcast, Sleep With Me has proven to be a solace for insomniacs, people with anxiety, or anyone who has trouble falling asleep. This podcast, beloved for its whimsy, creativity, and effectiveness, is a testament to the power of storytelling in promoting better sleep.

Why do we sleep better with books?

Reading bedtime stories is not just a relaxing activity but also a catalyst for better sleep. Engaging with a book before bed allows you to break away from the day's worries and stresses, facilitating a smoother transition into sleep. It's a natural and effective way to calm your mind, encouraging a sense of peace that invites deep, restful slumber. When it comes to the impact on sleep, the benefits are multifold including:

• Stress relief — A small study in 2009 suggests that reading before bed can be as beneficial as sleep meditations or yoga to reduce stress.
• Better sleep quality — A 2021 survey revealed that nearly half of all participants experienced better sleep after reading. Close to 1000 people participated, with half introducing a bedtime reading habit. The survey postulated that reading a book before bed increased sleep quality and might reduce the odds of waking during the night.
• Insomnia relief — Alongside other insomnia treatments, reading at bedtime declutters the mind and allows you to fall asleep faster. Books can create guided imagery, which can curb stress-induced insomnia.
• Improved sleep quantity — Apart from helping you to fall asleep, reading also increases your chances of sleeping until morning.

Fall asleep even easier with audiobooks from Speechify Audiobooks

In our digital age, audiobooks have risen as a convenient and enjoyable alternative to traditional reading. Platforms like Speechify offer a diverse selection of sleep stories, from classic short stories to modern sleep meditation. With a vast library of soothing voices and calming narratives, Speechify Audiobooks is an excellent tool to incorporate into your bedtime routine. It's as simple as picking a story, plugging in your headphones, and letting the soothing sounds guide you to sweet dreams. Try Speechify Audiobooks today and enjoy your first premium audiobook for free.

FAQ

Where can I find sleep meditations and bedtime stories?

Apps like Headspace and Spotify feature an impressive array of bedtime stories, guided meditations, and even white noise options, all designed to help you sleep well.

Do sleep stories work?

Yes, sleep stories often work as they provide a structured way to wind down and transition the brain into a relaxed state, aiding sleep.

What are the benefits of listening to sleep stories?

The benefits of listening to sleep stories include reduced anxiety and stress, distraction from intrusive thoughts, promotion of relaxation, and the establishment of a calming bedtime routine, which collectively can improve overall sleep quality.