A Podcast Uses Stories and Science to Help Children Sleep

For many parents, bedtime can be a drawn-out affair, filled with constant requests for water, concerns about noises, or claims of not being tired. 

This is a common struggle, experienced by many, including parents of a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old who often delay bedtime considerably. Various strategies, such as white noise and bedtime stories, have been tried but with mixed results.

However, the introduction of "Snoriezzz," a children's podcast combining science with storytelling, is providing new hope. Spearheaded by Academy Award-winner Marcia Gay Harden and comedian Natalie Peyton, this podcast releases weekly episodes designed to create a soothing sleep environment while nurturing emotional and mental growth in children.

The format of the podcast includes calming bedtime stories interwoven with teaching calm contemplation and positive affirmations. These affirmations help children engage with their own thoughts and enhance self-awareness. 

The episodes also incorporate relaxation practices and grounding techniques, presented alongside fairytales like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," and including important lessons about empathy and bravery. All these elements are paired with calming music to ease the transition to sleep.

Upon initial exposure, children, even those sharing a room and often distracted at bedtime, began to settle down by repeating the positive affirmations introduced in the podcast. The children, including one with ADHD, remained in bed, engaged with the soothing narratives and background white noise.

On one occasion, the children listened to a complete episode and were eager to start another, indicating the strong appeal of the podcast, though it also suggested they were not yet ready to sleep. Nevertheless, sleep soon followed and the night passed undisturbed—an improvement from other nights.

The subsequent evening, the podcast was left playing, and after the conclusion of one episode, both children were found to be asleep, demonstrating the effectiveness of the podcast in creating a conducive sleep environment.

While the podcast may not guarantee immediate sleep every night, its ability to maintain interest and induce relaxation has been apparent. This makes "Snoriezzz" a recommendable option for parents facing bedtime challenges.

The podcast is available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, with each episode lasting around 30 minutes. Featured stories include "Little Bo Peep," "The Selfish Giant," and "The Magic Bed."

-

Previous Article: Insights on Finances from the Highest-Earning Late Celebrities of 2024