How Culture Helps Us Sleep: A Deep Dive into Comforting Media

How do you sleep at night? For some, like Hannah—a recent subject of the Guardian’s "My Cultural Awakening" column—it’s to the sound of a rat whisking eggs. Hannah has found solace in the Pixar classic Ratatouille, watching it nightly for the past 15 years to combat her insomnia. The film’s comforting soundscape lulls her to sleep, so much so that she’s never even seen it all the way through. While her story may seem extreme, it highlights a growing trend: popular culture plays an increasingly vital role in helping people drift off to dreamland.

The Rise of Sleep-Inducing Culture

In today’s fast-paced world, many are turning to various forms of media to help them sleep. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music offer endless playlists designed to ease listeners into a deep slumber. BBC radio stations have also jumped on the bandwagon, with shows like 6Music’s Dream Time and Radio 1’s Deep Sleepscapes, which repurpose soothing audio from nature programming. These curated soundscapes aim to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep.

Podcasts have also carved out a niche in the sleep aid category. Series like Nothing Much Happens provide storytelling that’s engaging yet gentle enough to prevent listeners from becoming too alert. The idea is to create a comforting auditory environment that allows the mind to unwind.

The Comfort of Visual Media

While audio is a natural companion for sleep, screen-based culture often gets a bad rap when it comes to “sleep hygiene.” However, many find that watching television can be a helpful way to drift off. The key is to choose shows that are engaging yet not overly stimulating.

BBC nature documentaries, for instance, are often recommended for their soothing qualities. With David Attenborough’s calming narration and mesmerizing visuals, these programs create a tranquil atmosphere. The gentle pacing and episodic format allow viewers to relax without feeling the pressure to stay fully engaged. As Phil Harrison, a TV writer, notes, drifting off to sleep while absorbing stunning footage of bioluminescent creatures can lead to captivating dreams.

Books: The Timeless Sleep Aid

Reading before bed has long been a trusted method for inducing sleep. Poetry, in particular, offers a unique format that can be both calming and engaging. Ella Creamer, a Guardian commissioning editor, finds solace in Earth Prayers, a 2024 anthology edited by Carol Ann Duffy. The book features hypnotic poems that celebrate water and nature, providing a soothing backdrop for bedtime reading. The lyrical quality of poetry makes it easy to dip into, serving as a perfect antidote to the temptation of late-night doomscrolling.

Music: The Soundtrack to Sleep

Music can also play a significant role in sleep routines. Laura Snapes, a deputy music editor at the Guardian, shares her experience with William Basinski’s The Disintegration Loops. This collection features repetitive orchestral motifs that help focus her wandering mind. The gradual quieting of the music encourages relaxation, making it an ideal choice for inducing sleep—even if its historical context is a bit heavy.

Podcasts: Engaging Yet Relaxing

Podcasts have become a popular medium for winding down. Hrishikesh Hirway’s Song Exploder features interviews with musicians discussing their creative processes. The soothing tones of the host, combined with the intimate storytelling of artists, create a calming atmosphere. However, caution is advised; not all episodes are suitable for bedtime. As podcast critic Hannah J Davies points out, some topics might be too stimulating for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Film: The Gentle Art of Storytelling

Film can also serve as a sleep aid, provided the right choices are made. Rebecca Liu, a commissioning editor and film writer, recalls watching Hirokazu Koreeda’s After Life. The film’s gentle pacing and thoughtful reflections on humanity create a serene viewing experience. Although she didn’t fall asleep during the screening, she recognized its potential to lull viewers into a peaceful state, thanks to its unhurried narrative and calming visuals.

In a world filled with distractions and stressors, turning to culture for comfort and relaxation is becoming increasingly common. Whether through the soothing sounds of nature documentaries, the lyrical beauty of poetry, or the gentle narratives of podcasts and films, many are finding solace in the arts as they seek a good night’s sleep.