23 Best Audiobooks for Sleep in 2025

Falling asleep isn’t always easy, but the right audiobook can calm the mind and gently guide you into rest. AudioForSleep specializes in helping people find audio experiences that promote deep relaxation and better sleep, offering carefully curated playlists and book lists designed for quiet nights. Whether you want soothing voices, peaceful narratives, or mindful reflections, the right audiobook can make drifting off effortless. Below are 24 of the best audiobooks for sleep in 2025—gentle, inspiring, and perfect for bedtime listening.

1. The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien

• Narrated by: Andy Serkis
• A timeless fantasy adventure, The Hobbit is the perfect bedtime story for adults and children alike. Serkis’s warm, expressive narration brings Middle Earth to life, with cozy moments that help quiet busy minds.

2. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants – Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
• This blend of science, culture, and lyrical storytelling has a soft, meditative quality. Kimmerer’s voice and wisdom make it a natural fit for those looking to relax deeply before sleep.

3. Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey

• Narrated by: Matthew McConaughey
• McConaughey’s unmistakable voice delivers life stories, reflections, and affirmations in a soothing Texan drawl. It’s positive, inspiring, and surprisingly relaxing for late-night listening.

4. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World – Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu & Douglas Carlton Abrams

• Narrated by: Douglas Carlton Abrams, Francois Chau & Peter Francis James
• Two spiritual leaders reflect on joy, compassion, and peace. The tone is calm and uplifting—perfect for cultivating a grateful, relaxed mindset before bed.

5. The Things We Cannot Say – Kelly Rimmer

• Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon & Nancy Peterson
• A heartfelt historical fiction with dual timelines, beautifully performed. Its emotional resonance and flowing narration make it a peaceful way to unwind.

6. Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself – Matthew Gray Gubler

• Narrated by: Matthew Gray Gubler
• Quirky, whimsical, and delightfully soothing, Gubler’s gentle voice makes this short story a sweet choice for bedtime.

7. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

• Narrated by: Michael York
• This beloved Narnia tale blends magic and adventure with moments of warmth and wonder. York’s narration feels like an old friend telling you a bedtime story.

8. Matilda – Roald Dahl

• Narrated by: Kate Winslet
• Winslet brings Dahl’s classic to life with a soft, charming performance. It’s enchanting enough for kids and comforting enough for adults who want to drift off with a smile.

9. Becoming – Michelle Obama

• Narrated by: Michelle Obama
• A memoir full of inspiration, delivered in Obama’s own calm and confident voice. Many listeners find her narration both empowering and deeply relaxing.

10. The Gifts of Imperfection – Brené Brown

• Narrated by: Brené Brown
• Gentle wisdom on self-acceptance and authenticity. Brown’s friendly, reassuring voice is ideal for quiet nighttime reflection.

11. Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi

• Narrated by: Arina Ii
• A quiet, magical story about a cafe where visitors can travel back in time. Softly paced and emotionally rich, it’s an ideal way to relax your mind.

12. Untamed – Glennon Doyle

• Narrated by: Glennon Doyle
• An inspiring yet calming memoir about embracing your true self. Doyle’s narration is heartfelt and sincere, making it a peaceful nighttime companion.

13. Neon Gods (Dark Olympus #1) – Katee Robert

• Narrated by: Zara Hampton-Brown & Alex Moorcock
• A romantic retelling of Hades and Persephone. Despite its passionate themes, the melodic narration has a soft, hypnotic cadence, perfect for winding down.

14. The Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster

• Narrated by: Rainn Wilson & Norton Juster
• A playful classic with whimsical wordplay, narrated with warmth and humor. Its imaginative storytelling has a soothing rhythm that’s perfect before sleep.

15. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

• Narrated by: Sean Astin
• Astin’s smooth delivery brings this classic to life in a way that feels quiet and intimate—a wonderful way to fall asleep to great literature.

16. Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined – Stephen Fry

• Narrated by: Stephen Fry
• Fry’s storytelling voice is legendary—calm, eloquent, and deeply comforting. This retelling of Greek myths is fascinating but also perfectly paced for bedtime.

17. Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself – Nedra Glover Tawwab

• Narrated by: Nedra Glover Tawwab
• Practical and calming advice for improving your mental and emotional health. Ideal for unwinding and letting go of the day’s stress.

18. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

• Narrated by: Jim Dale
• Dale’s beloved narration creates a magical atmosphere full of warmth and wonder, ideal for kids or nostalgic adults looking to relax.

19. The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison

• Narrated by: The Author
• Poetic and powerful, Morrison’s narration is soft yet mesmerizing. Its gentle rhythm and emotional depth make it a unique bedtime choice.

20. Storm and Fury (Harbinger Series #1) – Jennifer L. Armentrout

• Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
• For listeners who like a hint of fantasy and action but still want something soothing, Fortgang’s balanced narration keeps it engaging yet calm.

21. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou

• Narrated by: Maya Angelou
• Angelou’s distinctive voice and poetic style are unmatched, delivering her classic memoir with a lyrical flow perfect for evening listening.

22. The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune

• Narrated by: Daniel Henning
• A whimsical, heartwarming fantasy that feels like a cozy blanket in audiobook form. Henning’s narration adds to the peaceful tone.

23. Mrs. Wiggins – Mary Monroe

• Narrated by: Shari Peele
• Southern charm, community, and heartfelt storytelling come together in this calming audiobook—great for bedtime unwinding.

Drift Off Tonight

The right audiobook doesn’t just entertain—it creates an atmosphere of peace, turning bedtime into something you look forward to. AudioForSleep.org helps listeners find audiobooks, music, and sounds that make rest easy and joyful. Whether you prefer magical worlds, life wisdom, or simply soothing narration, these 23 audiobooks are among the best for helping you relax in 2025.