Five Tales Designed for Relaxation for Adults to Hear at Night
Struggling to drift off to sleep due to work-related stress? Listening to bedtime stories could be a soothing solution. These narratives, gaining popularity on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcast, can help adults unwind and relax before bed, making it easier to fall asleep.
Their appeal lies in the nostalgic elements and comforting narratives they offer. Unlike reading a book, which can strain the eyes and cause discomfort after a few hours, listening to bedtime stories provides a healthy distraction from daily stress. They stimulate the imagination, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the experience, potentially reviving fond childhood memories [1].
Recommended Bedtime Stories
Here are five bedtime stories worth listening to for a restful night's sleep. The stories range from classic fairy tales and fantasies to adventures.
Sleeping Beauty
An enduring classic, Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of a princess cursed to sleep until awakened by true love's kiss. Despite the presence of the witch's curse, the princess eventually finds her happily ever after with the assistance of a brave prince.
Sinbad the Sailor
Part of the Arabic folktales collection A Thousand and One Nights, Sinbad the Sailor recounts the adventures of Sinbad on his seven voyages. Marooned after setting sail, Sinbad showcases resourcefulness and luck to survive his treacherous journey.
The Secret Garden
This heartwarming story follows Mary Lennox, a 10-year-old girl who, after the death of her wealthy British parents, discovers a secret garden hidden behind a wall in her new home. Through her nurturing of the garden, Mary grows to be a kinder and more empathetic individual.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan is a captivating adventure about a youthful boy who refuses to grow up. Living on the mythical island of Neverland with the Lost Boys, Peter Pan encounters fairies, pirates, mermaids, and children from outside the island, engaging in a series of exciting escapades with the formidable Captain Hook.
Anne of Green Gables
Set in the late 19th century, Anne of Green Gables tells the heartwarming story of Anne Shirley, an orphan mistakenly sent to a pair of siblings who were looking for a boy to help on their farm. Despite the initial misunderstanding, Anne soon becomes an integral part of the family and the community, demonstrating her resilience and determination throughout her journey.
Establishing a Bedtime Story Routine
Regardless of age, incorporating bedtime stories into your routine can be a soothing prelude to sleep. Regular listening can help your brain recognize the cue that it's time for bed, making falling asleep and staying asleep easier.
To make this a part of your routine, listen to a bedtime story before bedtime, either alone or with a loved one. Consider using a podcast, audiobook, or app to access a diverse selection of stories conveniently on your phone or tablet.
Conclusion
Instead of reaching for melatonin supplements the next time youre struggling to sleep due to anxiety or stress, try listening to a calming bedtime story first. These simple narratives can help you relax and drift off peacefully [2].
To listen to free bedtime stories, check out the ShutEye app, which offers more than 100 bedtime stories for adults and children [3]. Embrace the power of storytelling to improve sleep quality and reduce stress tonight.
[1] O'Connor, E. (2018, September 25). Bedtime stories could help you sleep better than melatonin. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/25/health/bedtime-stories-sleep/index.html
[2] Miller, R. (2020, February 20). How bedtime stories could help stressed readers sleep. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200220-how-bedtime-stories-could-help-stressed-readers-sleep
[3] ShutEye (n.d.). Sleep Tips for Adults. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://shuteyeapp.com/blog/sleep-tips-for-adults/
These recommended bedtime stories, such as Sleeping Beauty, Sinbad the Sailor, The Secret Garden, Peter Pan, and Anne of Green Gables, can be listened to on platforms like ShutEye for a restful slumber. Establishing a bedtime story routine can help your brain recognize sleep cues and improve sleep quality.
