A lot of the practices we do with children are equally as beneficial to adults: we still need to play, keep active, eat healthy and get a good night’s sleep. But as we grow older, stresses and responsibilities creep in and overtake these basic human needs take a back seat. One of them being listening to bedtime stories.
When you think of bedtime stories, you probably imagine a gentle voice reading to a child, tucked into bed. While sleep stories are a bedtime staple for kids, their benefits extend far beyond childhood. According to a new study, listening to a relaxing story in bed not only has the power to help you switch off any swirling thoughts – it could help you to get a deeper sleep.
Benefits of listening to Sleep Stories as adults
There is evidence that show multiple benefits of listening to soothing stories, such as those by Calm. We’ve broken down the benefits of sleep stories, which include falling asleep quicker, staying in deep sleep for longer, relaxing your body and regulating your breathing.
Sleep Stories reduce stress
Listening to calming sounds and stories before bed can significantly reduce stress levels. This is because listening to stories that are relaxing (where not much action happens) distracts your mind from anxious thoughts and puts your body into a relaxed state. This decrease in stress hormones helps prepare your body for sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sleep Stories make it easier to drift to sleep
Listening to Sleep Stories and relaxing sounds before sleep can help relax, switch off and drift to sleep quicker. They are particularly helpful if your brain becomes overactive at night or if you’re suffering with stress. Sleep Stories distract your mind from intrusive thoughts and your brain can follow a calming story, rather than overthink when your head hits the pillow.
Sleep Stories increase time spent in deep sleep
Deep sleep is crucial for various bodily functions, including cell repair, immune function, and memory consolidation. A recent study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found that listening to relaxing words before falling asleep, and during early stages of sleep, increases the length of time spent in deep sleep. It does this by helping slow the heart rate as the brain engages with the story (even when you’re drifting off). The gentle narration and rhythmic sounds can slow your breathing and heart rate, creating a state of relaxation conducive to sleep. Research indicates that a slower heart rate is linked to a longer duration of deep sleep, the most restorative phase of sleep. This means you wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
We recommend: Sleep Stories by Calm, the #1 sleep and meditation app
Tips for incorporating sleep stories into your routine
- Use Calm: Sleep Stories by Calm include an extensive library of stories designed to help you fall asleep. Narrated by voices including Erik Braa, Matthew McConaughey and Harry Styles.
- Set the Scene: Create a relaxing environment with dim lighting and comfortable bedding.
- Consistency is Key: Try to listen to sleep stories at the same time each night to establish a routine.
Incorporating Sleep Stories into your bedtime routine can transform your sleep quality and overall well-being. By reducing stress, lowering heart rate, and enhancing deep sleep, this simple practice offers a natural and enjoyable way to improve your health. So next time you’re winding down for the night, consider swapping out screen time for a soothing sleep story. Your body and mind will thank you.
We now include a limited cassette library of Sleep Stories by Calm in every cabin.
