Looking to fall asleep faster while listening to some of the finest literary works? Stay tuned for a list of the best audiobooks for sleep.

Best audiobooks for sleep

Reading books provides a great escape, and listening to audiobooks is an excellent option to reduce eye strain. However, that’s not the only possible use for audiobooks—They can also help you go to sleep faster.

Let’s check out the best audiobooks for going to sleep.

Best bedtime audiobooks

Here are the best audiobooks you can listen to if you want to get a good night’s sleep:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling is the first installment in this iconic story about the titular young wizard. The New York Times bestseller also follows his best friends, Ron and Hermione, who instill courage and provide support at crucial times against Lord Voldemort.

The narrator of this audiobook is Stephen Fry. He engages you from the get-go with his soothing voice and nostalgic description, making it a perfect autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) experience for your bedtime routine.

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection

First presented by Audible, the Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection audiobook is another mesmerizing bedtime story. The detective has enthralled worldwide fans with his cerebral investigation methods and unique personality.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s book marked the beginning of detective fiction. Since then, it’s remained a popular read for children and adults.

You can now access it in audiobook format. The narration by Stephen Fry breathes new life into this classic. He conveys a mysterious tone perfectly to help you go to sleep in no time while Sherlock Holmes tracks down bad guys.

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean released The Graveyard Book in 2008. It follows Nobody Owens (Bod), a boy who would be just another boy if a graveyard weren’t his home. He also has a guardian who teeters between the dead and the living world.

Nobody embarks on many adventures in his graveyard and meets unique life forms. This includes Sleer, Indigo Man, and gateways to abandoned cities. Leaving the area is tempting, but if he does so, he’ll be on the radar of the man who killed his family.

If you listen to the title in the audiobook format, you’ll get one of the best books for falling asleep. The narrator leads you through Nobody’s day-to-day life after his adoption by the long-dead Mr. and Mrs. Owens and his guardian Silas.

A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods is a novel by Bill Bryson based on a true story about his hike on the Appalachian Trail. The author provides some of the most captivating descriptions and entertaining encounters in this story.

The Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia, covering breathtaking terrain in silent forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountains. Bill Bryson is a fun guide who introduces you to the Trail’s ecology and history.

Plus, he tells you about the fascinating people he meets along the way. There are even potentially deadly encounters with bears.

Rob McQuay is the author of this enchanting tale. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll relax in no time, thanks to the vivid descriptions and soothing narration.

Why We Sleep

Sleep is a vital part of your everyday routine. However, this doesn’t mean you get enough sleep every night. This can change after listening to the Why We Sleep audiobook by Matthew Walker.

The author explores two decades of extensive research to reveal why you sleep. He also explains how sleep impacts his life, longevity, and health. Likewise, professor Walker mentions the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, like diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

Until recently, scientists couldn’t determine why you sleep, why it’s beneficial, and what makes its absence so damaging to your health. Fortunately, Walker presents many definitive conclusions on these subjects.

In his elaboration, Professor Walker looks at multiple essential factors, such as the influence of REM, alcohol, and caffeine on sleep habits. All of this makes this the ideal audiobook for getting under the covers.

The English Patient

Michael Ondaatje’s award-winning novel The English Patient traces the convergence of four people at the end of World War II: an unrecognizably burned man, a Canadian thief, a British Army sapper, and a nurse.

Each character wants to solve the mystery of the titular English patient. This burned, nameless man lies upstairs and has memories about passion, rescue, and betrayal.

The narrator perfectly captures the atmosphere of this soothing audiobook. The intrigue mounts from page one and leads to a climactic ending.

Bedtime Stories for Stressed-Out Adults

Bedtime Stories for Stressed-Out Adults is a collection of classic stories and fairy tales by Lucy Mangan from iconic 19th and 20th-century authors. The bite-sized fiction is a great choice if you’re a fan of novels but don’t want to miss key plot information while sleeping.

The audiobook narrators are Joan Walker and Jonathan Keeble.

The Source of Self-Regard

Toni Morrison touches on societal differences and diversity in three compelling eulogies for James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jr., and 9/11 victims. The central theme is how African Americans influence literature and mainstream culture.

Bahni Turping is the narrator of this motivational title.

Conversations with Friends

This coming-of-age novel tells a story about how emotional impulses conflict with social restraint. It has a casual tone, and Aoife McMahon’s skillful narration lends authenticity and charm to the adventures of the 21-year-old main character.

Get better sleep with audiobooks from Speechify

If you want to access most of the above books from one place, you can’t go wrong with Speechify. There are numerous audiobooks to help improve your sleep, such as The Return of the King, The Silent Patient, and Dune. Try the immersive audio today.

FAQ

Is it good to fall asleep to audiobooks?

Yes. Falling asleep to audiobooks is great because they prevent you from being trapped inside thoughts that keep you from sleeping.

Why do audiobooks help you sleep?

Audiobooks and podcasts help you sleep because the narration has a relaxing effect on the brain.

What are the best audiobooks for anxiety?

Some of the best audiobooks for anxiety are Furiously Happy, How to Be Yourself, and Beginner’s Mind.

What are some good audiobooks for relaxation?

Good audiobooks for relaxation include the Harry Potter series, Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Conversations with Friends.

How long do you need to listen to an audiobook before bed?

Most people set sleep timers for 15-30 minutes when listening to an audiobook before bed. The timing depends on how tired you are.