Bringing audiobooks and podcasts into your bedtime routine can be a fantastic way to unwind and prepare your mind for a good night's sleep.
Lets explore how these can be used to enhance sleep quality and provide practical tips for using them effectively, with a special focus on the advantages of using under pillow speakers like the Sleepbar.
Benefits of Listening to Audiobooks and Podcasts for Sleep
- Mental Distraction: Audiobooks and podcasts can provide a welcome distraction from the day’s stresses and anxieties, helping your mind melt into a state thats more conducive to sleep.
- Engaging the Imagination: Engaging stories or soothing voices can activate your imagination in a gentle way, helping to take your mind into new (sleepier) worlds.
- Get into a Routine: Regulary listening to audiobooks or podcasts at bedtime can create a ritual that signals to your body it’s time to wind down. Over time, this will make it even easier to drift off.
Choosing the Right Content for Sleep
Audiobooks
Opt for books with soothing narratives or non-stimulating content. Genres like fantasy, science fiction, or non-fiction told in a narrative style can be great choices. Consider audiobooks read by narrators with calm, soothing voices.
It's IMPOSSIBLE to recommend from the vast amount of books available, as this is deeply personal.
Audible, Everand and even Spotify feature a vast array of audiobooks to get you started.
Podcasts
Look for podcasts that are specifically designed for bedtime listening—those that feature storytelling or meditation can be particularly effective.
-
Recommended Podcasts:
- "Sleepy" - Classic books read in a soothing style.
- "Nothing Much Happens; Bedtime stories for grown-ups" - Curated stories designed to quiet the mind
- "Nothwoods Baseball Sleep Radio" - Fictional full length baseball games that quieten the mind
There's something for everyone these days, and it's a space thats truly thriving.
Tips for Listening to Audiobooks and Podcasts at Bedtime
- Set a Sleep Timer: Most audiobook and podcast apps allow you to set a sleep timer that stops the playback after a certain period. Pairing this with a device like the Sleepbar, which features a shutdown timer, means your audio will turn off once you sleep - saving battery and stopping you waking up.
- Volume Control: Ensure the volume is set to a soft, comfortable level. The audio should be just loud enough to be heard but not so loud as to be jarring.
Why Under Pillow Speakers Like the Sleepbar Are Ideal
- Discreet Listening: Unlike traditional speakers that might disturb others, under pillow speakers like the Sleepbar deliver sound directly to you without filling the room.
- Comfort: No need for headphones or earbuds that could be uncomfortable to wear while sleeping; the Sleepbar sits under your pillow, blending seamlessly into your bedtime routine.
- High-Quality Sound: The Sleepbar uses advanced bone conduction technology to ensure clear, crisp sound, enhancing the auditory experience of listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
