Books & Audios to Help You Sleep
By: Dr. Anjali Kasunich, ND
Many of us are all too familiar with the stress that accompanies sleep disturbances. Whether you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, it can be frustrating to just lie in bed counting the minutes until you’re able to finally drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Thankfully, there are several options that make winding down just a little easier. Whether you’re into reading a relaxing story or being guided into a deep state of rest by a gentle voice, I’ve found that there’s something for everyone.
Here are some of my favorite books to help you fall asleep:
1. Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
In a society where overworking is normal, if not encouraged, Pang challenges our tendency to see work and relaxation as antithetical. Pang argues that if we actually want to get more done, we need to rest and relax more.
2. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
The Henna Artist is a beautiful tale that follows Lakshmi, a henna artist and confidante to the wealthy women of the upper class in Jaipur. This vivid and compelling story will transport you to the splendor of 1950’s India as you drift off to sleep.
3. Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery
The beloved children’s classic series was inspired by a true story of two adult siblings who were mistakenly sent an orphan girl instead of a boy but decided they wanted to keep her and raise her as their own. Set in the late 19th century, this series is filled with hope, adventure and love.
4. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries form a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
Peter Wohlleben shares his deep love of the woods and forests as he explains the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he observed in the woodland. After reading this book, a walk in the woods will never be the same again.
5. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Don’t let the title fool you. This amusing and light-hearted read tells the story of Nikki, a 20-something year old woman living in London, who takes on a job teaching a creative writing course to Punjabi widows in her close-knit community. Nikki quickly learns that these often overlooked women have a wealth of stories, creativity and fantasies just waiting to be unleashed.
Guided Meditations & Podcasts to Help You Sleep
1. Louise Hay: Evening Meditation
Lay down and relax while motivational author and speaker Louise Hay guides you through this evening meditation.
2. Nothing Much Happens
If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, listen to Kathryn Nicolai’s soothing voice tell you a story. Nothing Much Happens has been recognized in many articles and has received over 65 million downloads. You can find her podcasts on her website and on various streaming services.
3. Slow Radio
If you find that following a story is too stimulating for you, BBC’s ultra lo-fi Slow Radio might be a better option. This podcast mixes calming music with field recordings while they are lightly presented together.
4. Get Sleepy
Get Sleepy podcast opens up with a calming sleep meditation to help sink body and mind into a deep relaxation and follows with a gentle story. Unlike other sleep podcasts, Get Sleepy uses input from scientific experts and feedback from listeners to help improve the show.
5. The Honest Guys: Profound Deep Relaxation for People Who Don’t Meditate
This recording is great if you feel like you don’t “know how to meditate.” The Honest Guys guide you through this meditation to achieve a profound and deep state of relaxation to help you calm your mind.
A good book or soothing voice can be like a comforting friend, and exactly what we need to fall asleep. If you have a favorite book or audio, let me know in the comments so more people can benefit!
About the Author
Dr. Anjali Kasunich is a California-licensed Naturopathic Doctor and founder of Mantra Natural Medicine where she uses a heart-centered approach and evidence-based natural treatments to help her patients heal. When she’s not treating patients in her private practice, Dr. Anjali enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, dancing, and being in her garden. You can learn more about Dr. Anjali and her favorite healthy tips by visiting her Instagram or TikTok.