While working on our sleep wellness hygiene goals, we are finding the best sleep albums or playlists to put on while you are heading off to dreamland.
We haven’t traditionally been the people who put on music with lyrics, nor have we thought it was a good thing to do so. However, this past year, as we have learned more and more about sleep and how to improve our sleep scores, we have been trying different things out.
We are BIG into the best sleep sounds for adults. It seems most people have some background noise, whether it be the traffic outside of our window, the sound of ocean waves if you live by the sea, or owls and nature sounds. A restful night’s sleep is so important. We want to know about all of the tools to get that good night’s sleep and improve our health.
Why Sleep Albums and Sounds?
Tossing, turning, and desperately seeking the sweet embrace of sleep can be stressful. If you are in a partying town where live music invades your peace, you have probably tried white noise machines, brown noise, or any kind of noise as a background to tune out the unwanted noise.
There are plenty of apps out there that include blissful meditation, a tranquil bedtime story read by Harry Styles, or classical music that has a bit of a Lofi vibe. The most effective tool for sleeping is what works for you.
FYI, there is a collection of stories read by celebrities but we encourage you to go toward those who have a soothing voice, not one you get super amped about. We’re talking to you, Harry Styles fans!
Studies have proven that there is indeed an impact of music on sleep quality. One cool finding is that listening to calming tunes before bedtime can actually improve both the duration and quality of sleep. It’s like a musical lullaby for your brain.
Sleep researchers have also highlighted the role of slow-tempo music in reducing heart rate and promoting relaxation. So, when you’re curating your own list of sleep albums, keep in mind the power of those slow, rhythmic melodies. It’s not just about the notes; it’s about creating a sonic atmosphere that nudges you gently into your sweet dreams for the night.
How Long Should You Listen to Music While Sleeping?
Some studies suggest that continuous music throughout the night may interfere with the different sleep cycles, especially the deep and REM stages. If you want to dig deeper into your sleep wellness hygiene and cycles, you can try a tool like the Oura Ring or even a Fitbit Tracker to begin measuring your sleep patterns.
Many people find soothing music helpful for falling asleep initially. A sleep timer can be a good way to help you along your sleep journey. Let the music of the album lull you into dreamland, and then enjoy the peace and quiet once you are there.
Hatch is a sleep machine with various options for sounds, but also a timer you can program to fit your preference.
There is no right answer when it comes to how long you should listen to music while sleeping. It’s all about what feels right for you. Experiment a bit, and see what works. Maybe it is a whole album, an eight-hour lullaby, or maybe an hour or so is the perfect musical sleep aid for you.
Our Top Picks for the Best Sleep Albums
We’ve embarked on a mission this past year to uncover the ultimate sleep-inducing albums. So, snuggle up, hit play, and let’s count some sheep while we talk all things sleep music to get you some peaceful slumber. This list is made up of my (Gerry) favorite albums with slower tempos.
Avalon by Roxy Music
The atmosphere surrounding this album is one of our faves. We encourage you to give this one a try to see if it strikes a sleep chord for you.
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
The only downside to this album, for sleep anyway, is that right in the middle, there is a song called “Welcome to the Machine” that may wake you back up. So, you could always record the tracks from this album, excluding that song.
Tattoo You by Rolling Stones (Side 2)
Why only one side, you ask? Well, side 2 is the soft side of Tattoo You. It just hits the sweet spot of getting us to napper’s house.
For Everyman by Jackson Browne
This album is made up of soft 1970s, Socal acoustic rock. Jackson Browne makes great music, but also the perfect sleep album. However, we are unsure if this was intentional.
Late For the Sky by Jackson Browne
See the description for “For Everyman”.
Blue by Joni Mitchell
This is perhaps one of the best soothing albums on the list. If you haven’t delved into the world of Joni Mitchell, this is your sign to do so.
Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young (Side 1)
Though Neil Young is Canadian, we associate him with that Socal acoustic rock sound, similar to Jackson Browne and Joni Mitchell. The whole thing makes for a great album, but Side 2 has more of an electric guitar sound.
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
This makes most lists for being a wonderful album in general. We are adding it because it is a good choice to try out for your sleep-inducing tunes.
Murmur by REM
Any REM fan will tell you that “Murmur” is known as the album that launched alternative rock. It can also be the album that launches you into a deep slumber.
Reckoning by REM
This album is the follow-up to REM’s debut album, “Murmur” offering a similar listening experience.
Gaucho by Steely Dan
While this album leans toward a more jazzy sound, it is the best album for simply chilling out and lowering your blood pressure to prepare for the sleep journey.
Sky Blue Sky by Wilco
“Sky Blue Sky” has been described by Wilco’s leader, Jeff Tweedy, as their “stoner album”. Need we say more?
Peaceful Sleep with Soothing Melodies
There is no doubt that there is power within sleep music. You don’t have to have much money to have this bedtime luxury. Many albums stream for free online. If you have a turn table, you can find the actual albums second-hand and give them a whirl.
At the end of the day, or night, quiet music can be the perfect choice for a night of restful bliss. Whether you choose the rhythmic hum of nature outside of your window, via orchestral tracks, or ambient albums, the key is finding what works for you.
As you curate your own sleep playlist, remember that there is no wrong way to get to sleep, as long as it is safe and sound (pardon the pun).
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Keep the music at a gentle volume. You want it to be background noise, not like you are seeing The Who in concert in your bedroom.
We recommend the Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Turntable. It is Bluetooth capable so you don’t need to invest in big, clunky speakers.
It depends on your vibe. If you crave that warm, authentic sound and enjoy the ritual of playing an album, vinyl is your go-to. If convenience and portability are your priorities, digital might be the way to roll. CDs are, well, CDs. It is also dependent upon space. If you want more portability, digital files are always better than large albums and a turn table to play them on.
