12 Soothing Songs To Fall Asleep To

Some people need absolute silence in order to fall asleep, but others need some sort of noise in the background, whether it's the relaxing sounds of nature, your favourite TV show, or even music.

Music releases serotonin, a natural chemical that relaxes us and enhances our mood.

Certain songs can have therapeutic effects that make it easier for them to doze off into a nice slumber, or to simply just relax.

Here’s the Woman’s Way bedtime playlist:

Only Time – Enya

A soothing pace and Enya’s soft and wispy voice makes this number exactly like a lullaby.

Riders on the Storm – The Doors

Starting with a burst of thunder, this Doors classic from 1971 will send you into a lovely torpor.

Svefn-g-englar – Sigur Ros

This Icelandic band have a catalogue of beautiful songs. Their soothing ethereal voices in their native language mean that you won’t be distracted by the words.

Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones

If you need to slow your breathing and slow down your mind before bed, this Norah Jones classic is perfect.

Teardrop – Massive Attack

The gentle drums and hypnotic synths of this floating, embracing, trip-hop classic will sway you straight to sleep.

I Went to Sleep – The Beach Boys

Paired with a deep bass that mimics a slow heartbeat and twinkling bells in the background, as well as the Beach Boys’ signature melodies, this really is like an adult lullaby.

Two Ghosts – Harry Styles

This is both a dreamy serenade and a wistful ode to what once was. It's very soothing and just a little heartbreaking.

Push the Sky Away – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Has an almost church-like, meditative feel, enhanced by Cave’s whispered exhortations to keep on keeping on.

Asleep in the Back – Elbow

Soft and romantic like all the best Guy Garvey compositions, this is a beautiful, bruised lullaby.

Pure Shores – All Saints

A calming bubble gum R&B rush that sends you off to a happier place. 

Nightswimming – R.E.M.

Melodic and nocturnal, this is a beautiful ode to solitude and peace.

All Things Must Pass – George Harrison

With the beautiful lyrics, “Now the darkness only stays the night-time/In the morning it will fade away/Daylight is good at arriving at the right time/It’s not always going to be this grey,” George Harrison’s got the twilight vibe down to a T.