6 Best Sleep Podcasts To Soothe Your Midlife Crisis
Author Ada Calhoun was right in considering the midlife crisis largely a product of sleep deprivation: nearly 40 to 60% of middle-aged women struggle with sleep problems.
The stressors of modern life, combined with societal expectations and biological changes, often lead to disrupted sleep patterns in midlife having profound effects on mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. According to Mental Health UK, almost 1 in 5 people in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep, while in Us the National Council Of Aging states about 30% of adults have symptoms of insomnia, with 10% having insomnia that impacts their daily activities.
Clearly, many of us have some problems with sleep. But have you thought about using podcasts to help you fall asleep and then soothe your midlife crisis? They are specifically designed to ease your mind and body, setting the stage for a good night’s rest and maybe helping you to wake up the next morning with a smile. Whether you like stories, soothing sounds, or funny bedtime chats, there’s definitely a sleep podcast out there for you.
CrunchyTales has selected 6 podcasts that might help you relax and break the cycle of overthinking.
Soothing Podcasts for Sleep
A night of tossing and turning can make even the easiest tasks feel like huge mountains to climb, but a solid night’s sleep can totally flip your perspective on the day to come. Things like meditations, affirmations, bedtime stories, and carefully chosen music or soundscapes can create the perfect vibe to help you unwind and get ready for some quality sleep.
So, press play and prepare to nod off to these sleep-inducing podcasts.
1. Sleepy by Otis Gray
Each Sunday, baritone Otis Gray lulls you to sleep with a new bedtime story. These are classic tales that we’ve been snoozing to for generations – tales like Peter Pan, Moby Dick, The Jungle Book, Little Women, and so many more. With over a hundred episodes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect story to send you on your way to sleepy town zzz.
Why it’s great: many people find comfort in nostalgic, familiar stories that evoke a sense of calm. Gray’s deep, gentle voice combined with classic literature offers a comforting escape from day-to-day stresses.
2. Sleep Meditation for Women
This podcast, brought to you by the Women’s Meditation Network and hosted by Katie Krimitsos, offers guided meditations and soothing sleep sounds specifically tailored for women. The episodes range from calming affirmations to mindfulness practices that promote peace and relaxation before sleep. Can’t sleep? Insomnia? Mind racing with worries and a never-ending to-do list? Tune in to the Sleep Meditation for Women podcast and let these guided meditations help you ease into sleep peacefully.
Why it’s great: The episodes are designed with women’s emotional and mental well-being in mind. The guided meditations help women manage anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. The calming affirmations and mindful practices offer comfort and self-compassion, which can be especially nurturing for those who might struggle with self-care.
3. Nothing much happens: Bedtime stories for grown-ups by Kathryn Nicolai
Nothing Much Happens® is so “crunchy”! Recognized for its excellence, originality, and production design, it has received over 100 million downloads. Hosted by Kathryn Nicolai, who narrates calming, plot-free bedtime stories intended for adults, this podcast offers stories that are slow, peaceful, and often feature settings like cosy cafes, quiet mornings, and serene nature scenes.
Why it’s great: Many people appreciate the balance between cosiness and simplicity. These bedtime stories, with no drama or tension, create a safe space for listeners to unwind, making it easier to fall asleep without lingering stress. Nicolai’s soothing voice also fosters a sense of warmth and calm.
4. Sleep with Me by Drew Ackerman
Drew Ackerman is the creator and host of Sleep With Me, the one-of-a-kind bedtime story podcast featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Buzzfeed, Mental Floss, and NOVA. Created in 2013, Sleep With Me combines the pain of insomnia with the relief of laughing and turns it into a unique storytelling podcast.
Why it’s great: Sleep With Me’s combination of empathy, predictable structure, soothing voice, and intentionally boring stories make it a great tool for many of us who struggle with falling asleep due to stress, anxiety, or mental overload.
5. Get Sleepy by Tom Jones
Get Sleepy is a twice weekly story-telling podcast combining bedtime stories and sleep meditation. Behind the podcast is a small creative team of writers, voice-over artists, and meditation experts. Together, with the guidance of leading sleep experts, their goal is to create the best podcast to help you fall asleep. The narrators are a mix of male and female voices all of which are smooth and restful to the ear. They utilise ASMR soundscapes and gentle music for a peaceful journey to the hushabye mountain.
Why it’s great: The combination of calming narrations and sleep-inducing stories provides a gentle and nurturing atmosphere, perfect for women dealing with the mental load of balancing career, family, and personal life. The podcast is well-structured, and the soundscapes add an extra layer of relaxation.
6. Soul Sistas Sleep Meditation
Created for women of colour, Soul Sistas Sleep Meditation aims to help listeners reconnect their mind, body and soul to transition “into a peaceful state of mind” to prepare for a calm night’s sleep. With a soothing voice, this podcast teaches you to be patient, intentionally take rest, and visualise your strengths through topics including ancestral meditation, dealing with grief, and heartbreak.
Why it’s great: By cultivating a habit of nightly meditation, you will wake up with more love and compassion for yourself and others, and manifest inner peace as you move throughout your day.
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