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Using a guided meditation to improve your overall sleep quality has to be one of the ultimate forms of self care. What’s more- it can be totally free! Mindfulness apps are really having their moment and are definitely worthy of your attention. Using a meditation tool to wind down at bedtime is a great way to signal your mind and body that it’s time for rest. Not only can it help you fall asleep more quickly but it can also improve the overall quality of your sleep. The problem is that not all meditations are created equal. While your mum of BFF might be fans of a classic body scan, you might be more of Matthew McConaughey sleep story kinda gal. While the latter isn’t strictly a meditation, it is one of my personal favourite ways to drift off…. Alright, alright, alright…
If you’ve found yourself googling the best fan for sleeping, then I highly recommend upgrading your white noise options. You have so many free guided sleep meditation options now that you will never run short of content. Choose one that runs all night (phone plugged in of course). Or use an app programmed to automatically stop after a couple of hours. Now if you’re trying to find the best way to sleep with occipital neuralgia, then this may not work for you. Having said that, there is a lot of evidence to support meditation helping get you into your most relaxed state.
It can be a bit overwhelming trying to find the right one when there are so many options out there. Use this list to help find what vibes with you. I highly recommend having a listen to a few before you’re ready to nod off so that you can have one ready to go. I don’t want you to get frustrated right before bed because you’re trying to make a decision!
Jason Stephenson’s free guided sleep meditation
This is some of the best free content you will find on YouTube. With 2.4 million subscribers including the likes of Russel Brand, there is definitely some magic about this one. If you like a soothing Australian voice paired with relaxing sounds, then this is definitely one to try. Also available on Apple Music if you already have a subscription.
“Try some of Jason’s amazing meditation techniques. Allow this gentle Australian brain alchemist to dabble in your semi-conscious brain.”
– Russell Brand, Actor & Comedian
Lina Grace Free Guided Sleep Meditation for Insomnia (Sleep, Relaxation, Calm your Mind)
With her British accent, Lina Grace will lull you into a state of deep relaxation. This track starts out with a guided mediation before transitioning into a sleep story, but most listeners never make it that far. With over 8 million views on YouTube, this is definitely worth a look. Many subscribers attribute this one with curing their insomnia.
Deepak Chopra’s Free 1 hour Deep Sleep Meditation
Deepak Chopra is a well known figure in transcendental meditation, with a focus on mind-body connection. Many app’s feature Deepak Chopra meditations nowadays and he even has his own app on the market. But if you want to give this style a try before committing to a purchase, then you can find various free versions available on YouTube. This free guided sleep meditation focuses on breathing techniques to help get you into a state of deep relaxation ready for your best sleep yet.
Smiling Mind
I highly recommend this free guided meditation app because it is designed by psychologists and goes beyond just sleep meditations. It has programs that cater for adults, youth and kids and also offers meditation in a number of native Aboriginal languages. Most meditations are in the five-to-fifteen minute range. This has the added benefit of being a sleep program 6 different meditations to help develop your nightly ritual. You can download through the App Store or on Google Play. If you’re having trouble downloading the app, their sleep scan is also available on their YouTube channel
Matthew McConaughey’s Wonder Sleep Story (Calm App)
This is the very best in adult bedtime stories (in my humble opinion). With his deep Southern drawl, McConaughey lulls you to sleep as he speaks about the mysteries of the universe. While not strictly a meditation, the sleep story does help take the mind away from the stresses of the day. I like to have to set the app to keep running for an hour or so to make sure I am well and truly asleep before it stops. Calm does require you to sign up for a monthly subscription, but I am happy to offer you a 30-day free trial using my guest pass (click the yellow pass below). You’ll have to be quick though, only 5 are available per month! Once you click the link you’ll need to sign up for an account and enter your billing details. Be sure to turn off the auto-renewal in your ‘Manage Subscription’ options once signing up if you don’t wish to continue.
Note: I don’t receive any affiliate discounts with or benefits from Calm for sharing this link.
Have you given any of these a try? If so let me know what you thought in the comments below, or share your favourites.
Have a beautiful day!