Sleepy dreamers
Published
Sleep experts are encouraging parents to embrace bedtime stories to help kids wind down before bed. Over half of parents who do a bedtime story say it helps their children relax and nod off more easily, and promotes overall wellbeing. Research shows it can improve academic performance too.
Hannah Shore, head of Sleep Science at MattressOnline, explains:’ Having a wind-down routine before bed allows the body and brain to relax and calm down. This calm time tells the body it should start to get ready for sleep, slowing down the heart rate, bringing the core body temperature down, and relaxing the mind – all signals to help prompt the body to start producing sleep hormones, such as melatonin.’
Start early
Establishing a calming bedtime routine as early as three months old has been shown to improve sleep outcomes later in life. These routines are associated with fewer nighttime awakenings, fewer sleep problems, and longer overall sleep durations.
Story time versus screen time
Falling asleep to screens can work against the body’s natural sleep signals. Blue light emitted from phones and tablets can suppress melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. The ritual of storytelling encourages both physical and mental relaxation.
Benefits beyond bedtime
Reading stories regularly has been shown to significantly boost language skills, including vocabulary, pronunciation and creativity. Children exposed to consistent bedtime storytelling often demonstrate greater fluency, self-confidence, and academic readiness.
Best bedtime books
Certain types of bedtime books are particularly effective in promoting calmness and improved sleep. Gentle, predictable stories with soothing rhythms or repetition help signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down. Nature-themed tales, books with low-stimulation visuals, and stories that gently explore emotions can also support relaxation and emotional regulation.
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