Sleep Stories

Sleep is an essential part of our lives, and getting a full night’s rest is critical for our physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to find the right balance between restful sleep and a jam-packed schedule. For some, it can feel like an uphill battle.

That’s exactly what happened to one woman who had been struggling to get a good night’s sleep for years. Her doctor had initially prescribed a short course of sleeping tablets, but she found that they only knocked her out for a few hours at a time, and didn’t guarantee quality rest.

Desperate for a solution, she eventually stumbled upon the phenomenon of sleep stories. Sleep stories are soothing tales provided via apps and podcasts, and she opted for those on the meditation app and website Calm.

“I sleep so much better now,” she said. “Even if I’ve got a lot on at work and I’m thinking about various things - like what I’ve got to do tomorrow - I think it’s a comfort blanket.”

Most nights, she opens the app on her phone, selects a bedtime story, and lets it play through the speaker. She believes the tone of the voices, how they slow their voices down and leave longer gaps between sentences, has something to do with her improved rest.

It seems she’s not alone in her discovery of the calming effects of sleep stories. More and more of us who struggle to get to sleep are turning to tech for help, and it’s not just about soothing bedtime stories.
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The burgeoning sleep technology market has something for everyone, from sleep trackers and noise machines to smart beds and adjustable mattresses. The rise of the ‘bedtime economy’ has seen innovation and investment in the sleep tech space, and the products range from high-tech to low-cost.

But for those of us who want to find our way back to a good night’s sleep, apps that offer sleep stories are proving to be a popular option. Not only do they offer a welcome distraction from the worries of the day, but they provide a form of relaxation - and ultimately, relaxation is key to a good night’s rest.