What to Watch to Fall Asleep on YouTube

I confess. Every single night, I actually need the television on to fall asleep. Yeah, I am one of those people. That’s my sad truth. As the title suggests, in a moment, I’ll share some shows and what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube.

I’ve never been a very good sleeper, but compounded grief has made it even more difficult to get the deep sleep I need. It’s okay, I’ve learned it is part of the grieving process for some people. Bear that in mind, if you are dealing with grief as well.

Just because I do most things very “extra”, I am going to throw in some other streaming platforms too. However, YouTube has been my “go-to” for snoozing.

The most important thing to remember

For a good night’s sleep, opt for simple movies and shows with minimal plot twists, limited action, and a manageable cast to avoid distractions.

That’s what I think, anyway. Simple, brainless TV – that’s what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube.

Don’t listen to the “Experts”

I shouldn’t say that. You do what works for you.

With that important spiel of caution out of the way, let me spill the beans on what I really mean.

You’ve likely heard the experts say you shouldn’t use TV shows to help you fall asleep.

But, I’d swear on a stack of Sports Illustrated magazines (do they still print those?) that I cannot sleep WITHOUT my television on!

Some shows to relax me to the point of being mildly comatose.

Experts in sleep, such as Healthline, claim I might be dead wrong about this habit. In fact, they say in an article called “Sleeping with Your TV On“, “TV on can reduce the sleep you get, interrupt your body’s melatonin production, keep your brain overstimulated, and lead to long-term health effects”

They assert that the constant fluctuations in tone and volume of TV sounds could actually keep me awake, rather than helping me sleep.

I’m sure the people at Healthline.com are lovely people, but ‘m not sold on this notion.

This means I’ll ignore them for now and continue doing my own thing which is watching TV at night.

You make the best choice for you.

Are you like me? Does hearing the TV make you a little sleepier?

If so, you’ll likely agree with writer Krissy Brady “in her following quote:

“few things put us to sleep faster than streaming a TV show or movie that we’ve watched dozens—OK, hundreds—of times, setting the volume on low, and listening to the hum of quirky dialogue that we can (literally) recite in our sleep.”

Quoted by Krissy Brady in the article “Is Falling Asleep With the TV On Really That Bad?”

Yeah, Sister (this is a women’s blog, but dudes are welcome for this post)!

I think I will keep my membership to the church of “fall asleep while watching TV” forever and ever.

Ok. that’s not funny.

In all seriousness, sleep is important.

Good sleep habits are so essential, and I probably should not joke about it.

You know, a while ago, I was watching an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show when a trainer named Ashley Borden said that the reason so many people aren’t sleeping right now is that we aren’t moving around as much as we did before.

She also mentioned that lack of sleep can also throw off our hormones and other things! Go figure!

As for me, I know if I don’t get enough sleep, I’m grouchy, mean, and mean and grouchy.

Forgetfulness and the inability to focus are two other clear indications I’m tired. I linked an article from Harvard validating that face.

Honestly, I need my sleep, and I really don’t care how I get it.

Remote Control Marriage problems?

Just for the record, as you read this, know my marriage is NOT in any trouble!

This entire conversation really could make ya wonder if my marriage is in the “pooper” since I’m talking all about ME and MY sleep habits without mentioning my husband. Rest assured, it’s not.

My husband and I are incredibly compatible in many ways, but Honey, television is not one of them!

OMG!

That joker likes the weirdest shows!

For instance, he digs those gritty documentaries about prisoners and the reasons they chopped someone into a thousand pieces. He’s such a boy!

Me? Not so much. 

Watching a show like that will not only keep me up all night, but I may have to sleep with a baseball bat.

Since he and I have such different interests, he watches TV in his mancave and usually won’t saunter up to our room until I’m fast asleep.

This works because it gives me sole ownership of the bedroom remote…for a while at least. Yay-yuh!

I’m still talking about what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube

All this is to give you context and hopefully let you know that sleep challenges can be normal.

You know, I should also share that I have YouTube Premium, which means I don’t have any commercials to deal with.

With that said, let me continue on with why you’re here…what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube.

Now that we’ve established, I need the TV to go into a Rumplestilskin-like slumber, and since my marriage is strong and sound, it’s time to share which TV shows knock me out quicker than Benedryl! That is after 9:00 p.m. if I watch some of them earlier in the day, I may actually watch them. Who knows.

You’ve heard me talking enough. I’m going just to do a brain dump from my YouTube history. Then, you can just click my ideas on what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube.

What to watch to fall asleep on YouTube? This works every single time!!!

1. Little House being read to me.*aaaah*

2. The Mr. Polaroid Documentary

3. Fly with Me Documentary – Definitely what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube!

4. How to Speak

5. Business strategie behind…

6. I thought this would be interesting, but I was knocked out halfway through.

7. Cruise Ship Couple

8. Cruise Ship Lady

9. Old-School Interviews

10. What to watch to fall asleep on YouTube: Old School Interviews

11. I don’t know why or how… (and it is the best tuna salad recipe!)

12. Better than any show the lat few nights – totally what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube!

13. I need to go back and watch this during the day. Good information, but his voice makes this what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube for me.

14. I made it only five minutes on this one.

15. Watching her bake is what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube

I know this can be an E-Book – but, it’s not!

Good sleep is really a struggle for me. Perhaps it’s because I watch TV, but still, it is.

That has made me a little passionate about the topic. So, I am not going to stop at what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube. I have more ideas for you!

Suggestion: Get Pluto! (free)

Pluto TV is a completely free streaming service that offers a wide variety of content for viewers to enjoy. With a diverse range of channels and shows, Pluto TV has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for news, sports, movies, or even classic TV shows, Pluto TV has got you covered. Plus, the best part is that you don’t need to pay a penny to access this incredible platform. So sit back, relax, and start exploring the world of entertainment with Pluto TV. It’s time to experience the freedom of streaming without any cost! There are TONS of shows on there to knock you out!

Pluto Shows and Stations to check out:

I have tons more! Feel free to scroll down (past my commentary) to see them.

Here is another one from my:
What to watch to fall asleep on YouTube ideas

1. Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/@WhoDoYouThinkYouAre

Let me say I love Dr. Gates’s shows – during the day and early evening. Something about the after-9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. hours makes the show a guaranteed sleep aid. I’m not sure why, but try it. The show’s cadence is soothing. His voice is calming. After hours, the show takes on an academic documentary vibe and is sure to lull you fast asleep.

I watch “Finding Your Roots” on PBS’s paid station. Being a doc-junkie, it’s worth it for me.

2. Bob Ross is definitely one of the TV shows guaranteed to help you sleep!

Link: https://youtu.be/lLWEXRAnQd0?si=Ts9r_NHmh2WFLA_c

If you’re a Gen-Xer like me (born between the mid-1960s to the early 1980s), you grew up watching this nice, soft-spoken hippie man with a cool afro. 

I loved Bob Ross! 

In case you don’t know, his entire show is about teaching a painting method he created. 

Even as a kid, he and Sesame Street made life worth living.  

Want to know the best part about the show for insomniacs like me? It’s his peaceful, soothing voice, which is never much above a whisper. 

*ah-h-h-h-h*

On those nights when sleep is all but elusive, Bob Ross guides me straight to my own personal dreamland.

Be sure to set the timer on your television because he’s better than Sominex and Benedryl for that matter!  In all sincerity, they should create a sleep app with his voice! I’d so buy that!

Oh well, until they do, check out Bob Ross – The Joy of Painting on Hulu or YouTube.

One of the best-kept secrets in this world of all things “Calm” is the application called Abide. Everyone is talking about the Calm app, but Abide wins by far because it’s a Christian meditation platform. Comforting voices, sweet scriptures, and serene images serve to make your eyelids heavier by the second. Not only that, some narrators even pray for you!

What to watch to fall asleep on YouTube?

The Abide Channel

I have the app on my phone, but I prefer to watch it on YouTube myself. Streaming it on a smart TV gives me the same vibe as watching a relaxing show.

Again, the videos feature other images to bore me to sleep – but in a good way!  It lulls me almost as quickly as Bob Ross.

I could not have a list of what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube without including Abide.

For instance, one such image is that of a cute little lamb sleeping on a bed of plush green grass. Isn’t he adorable? Some nights, when my insomnia is at its worst, I just stare at him, breathing hard and moving his sweet little lips as though he were saying, “Go to sleep, Teri.”  “Go to sleeeeeeep.”

You gotta click it below and see what I’m talking about.

Playing this station usually works like a charm. Awwww…just look at the lil’ lamb. :) Makes me not want to eat lamb chops ever again. *I’m lying* I LOVE LAMB CHOPS!

Moving right along…

4. Headspace is always welcome in my space!

Have you tried Headspace? On Netflix, I always select the interactive option, which is called “Unwind Your Mind.” Within the graphic is a note that labels it “interactive.” You can choose that one.

But it is also what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube!

It will ask you – in the most soothing voice ever – what it is you want to do. Select the last button that says “sleep.”

It has three options … see below.

Be sure to set your television to turn itself off after about a half-hour because this video will put you fast asleep! I mean FAST!

In a galaxy far, far away…I’ve also noticed one video is a constellation scene.  It’s relaxing and weird – at the same time. It seems like you’re floating on clouds or something. After watching it for so long, you either fall asleep or start thinking about space travel. Either way, I’m pretty much gone when I watch this stuff.

Many of the videos last several hours. You know, come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever had ads play during an Abide video, either! Wild.

Wait! Maybe they did, and I was already asleep.

That’s why I like to program my television to shut itself off after so much time has elapsed.

Have you ever watched the Abide videos yourself? If so, what do you think?

Here’s another sort of painting video … a totally different perspective, indeed.

Ever heard the term “watching paint dry?” 

Don’t worry, I haven’t literally found a video watching paint dry…yet.

Actually, I did!!!!!! Click the video below…chuckle, and continue reading!

Hilarious, right? You can find anything on YouTube these days!

I digress.

The video in reality want to share with you is a dude teaching the “ins and outs” of painting a room (exciting, right?)  There is one dubious byproduct – he will also put you dead asleep – so don’t paint after midnight. Ha!

Seriously, the video features a seemingly nice guy named Jeff on the Home RenoVision DIY YouTube channel. 

Many a night, YouTuber Jeff has provoked me to drowsiness. Sorry, Reno, Dude. 

The best part is, like many of the Abide videos, the video is about 40 minutes long, allowing you many minutes to drift..drift…drift away.

My favorite video to watch is entitled “DIY How to Paint like a Prop Series A to Z.” Whew!  The name itself almost put me to sleep!

5. Ted Talks – What to watch to fall asleep on YouTube to zone out

Now, for some TED talks and lectures, you’ll fall asleep watching.

I’m not saying these talks are boring. Actually, they are quite fascinating during the day hours, but I must say I have fallen asleep to them several (no, MANY) times.

For instance, in the first talk below, Amy Cuddy has a voice that will dull the will and put you into a meditative headspace for at least 8 hours. Joke! But her voice is very mellow.

She’d be a great friend to have. You could call her every evening “just to see how she’s doing,” and she’ll have you nod off in no time. That’s what I’d call a good friend! She’d be a better buddy if she could cook, but a friend who serves as a mild sedative would be a blessing, too.

Next up is my favorite selection of television sitcoms!

In the spirit of etiquette and protocol, I would like to formally thank YouTube for providing me with a vast selection of black-and-white old-school television shows to choose from. 

6. Let the Danny Thomas Show conk you out.

7. Ken Burns will teach you and relax you …sometimes

Ken Burns always creates such terrific docs. But he can incite your emotions and awaken your intellect too. Think C-A-L-M as you pick one to watch before beddy-bye.

8. Petticoat Junction

This show is the ultimate snooze-fest. It’s about a country lady running a hotel with three beautiful daughters and her dumb brother. Listen, if you can make it beyond two episodes, it’s time for a sleep intervention or some outside help.

9. The Dick Van Dyke Show

Of course, the top of my list is Dick Van Dyke! As a huge fan, this show reminds me of when I came home from school, grabbed a snack, and watched an episode before starting my homework. Love Dick Van Dyke!

A Quick and Dirty List of What to Watch to Fall asleep on YouTube

Here’s a rundown. Without my thoughts/commentary. :)

Some of them may be on other streaming shows, but many make the category of what to watch to fall asleep on YouTube.

They are in red…just to wake you up. haha

10. The Odd Couple

11. Designing Women

12. The Wonder Years

13. To Tell the Truth (the Classic version)

14. Rachel Ray (her old cooking show)

15. The Brady Bunch

16. Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper

17. Raw. Vegan. Not Gross

18. Seinfeld

19. Last Man Standing

20. Cake Boss (if you can find it)

21. Britain’s Best Home Cook

22. How It’s Made (Should be called “How It Makes Me Sleep!”)

23. Mary Tyler Moore Show

24. The Bob Newhart Show (the classic one)

25. The Barefoot Contessa
(I love her voice.)

26. House Hunters

27. Cooks vs Cons

28. Family Matters

29. The Twilight Zone
Be careful with this show; some of them will freak ya out and keep you up.

30. Jim Gaffigan’s comedy (I laugh to sleep. really!)

31. Kevin Hart’s Black History (on Netflix)

30.. Jim Gaffigan
Hey, all his videos put me out. I think it’s his voice. He’s known as the “clean comedian” even though he is a little edgy.  Either way, he’s like a cup of chamomile tea and gives me a few giggles before escorting me to dreamland.

32. The Iron Lady

33. All about the Washingtons

34. Highway to Heaven

35 America’s Book of Secrets

36. ET

37. Double Platinum

38. Being Elmo (About the dude who voices Elmo)

39. I’m in love with a Church Girl

40. The Great British Baking Show

41. Pawn Stars

42. Stuart Little

43 Everybody Hates Chris

44. Good Times

45. My Lottery Dreamhome

46. Wonder Woman

47. Barney Miller

48. Happy Days

49. Gomer Pyle, USMC

50. Barnaby Jones

51. Columbo

52. Leave it to Beaver

Most of these are on YouTube, too! When you search, type “Full Episodes.” Trust me, some bootlegger somewhere has posted a video of just about every show imaginable.

That’s it. Those are my favorite shows to watch while sleeping.

I could have included many others, but lots of them offend my sensibilities or mess with my moral compass.  For this reason, I don’t mention those. Let’s just say shows like Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee would be on the list, but for all the too-frequent “f” bombs,

As for the ones I included here on my Christian lifestyle blog, do you see the trend? I LOVED old movies and TV shows. Mainly because some of them are nostalgic because I can link them to my childhood or younger days, and because they represent something comforting for me.

Since I’m talking “comfort,” if you can’t sleep, try a hot bath with Epson Salt. The magnesium relaxes your muscles, and the warm bath is tranquilizing. Sometimes, I’ll play an Abide video while I let the stress of the day soak off my old, tired bones.

Tips to help you fall asleep

Trust me, I know falling asleep can sometimes feel like trying to catch a slippery fish with your bare hands – frustrating and seemingly impossible. But fear not, my sleepy friend, for I’ve got some tips that might just make the whole ordeal a bit easier and more relaxing.

1. Create a Cozy Cave: Make your bedroom a sanctuary of serenity. Dim the lights, snuggle up in your comfiest PJs, and create a peaceful ambiance. Think of your room as your cocoon of calmness.

2. Say No to Screens – for some people: Seriously, put down that phone, tablet, or laptop. The blue light messes with your circadian rhythm, making it harder for you to doze off. Maybe read a book or listen to some soothing music instead.

3. Exercise, but Not Right Before Bed: Get moving during the day; it helps you sleep better at night. But avoid heavy workouts too close to bedtime – they’ll just rev you up when you need to wind down.

4. Mind Your Munchies: Avoid heavy meals and caffeine close to bedtime. That spicy burrito might taste amazing, but it’s not your friend when you’re trying to snooze. Opt for a light snack if you’re hungry. I am no scientist, but I did a stint of intermittent fasting. I discovered I didn’t wake up with the munchies very often. I think it has something to do with blood sugar. I need to start doing that again!

5. Establish a Routine: Your body loves routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. It helps regulate your body clock, making it easier to fall asleep.

6. Embrace the Dark Side: Make your room as dark as possible. Invest in some good curtains or an eye mask. Darkness signals to your body that it’s time to sleep.

7. A Warm Bath: A relaxing soak before bed can do wonders. The warm water relaxes your muscles and your mind. Add some calming essential oils for bonus relaxation points.

8. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, find a technique that works for you. It can help calm your mind and prepare it for dreamland.

9. Don’t Clock Watch: Constantly checking the time can stress you out and make it even harder to fall asleep. Turn the clock away from you and forget about it. You’ll doze off when you do; there is no need to rush it.

10. Patience, Padawan: Sometimes, despite all your efforts, sleep just plays hard to get. Be patient. Stressing over not sleeping only makes it worse. Take deep breaths, relax, and trust that sleep will come eventually.

Remember, everyone’s different. What works for one person might not work for another. So, feel free to experiment and find what helps you fall asleep like a chubby baby in a hammock. Where did that come from? haha

My final tip is to avoid shows with “bangin” or exciting plots or even annoying voices (Like “I Love Lucy). Exciting, exhilarating shows do nothing more than keep me awake. 

What’s your favorite TV show when you’re trying to go to sleep?

I’d love to know and add it to the list! Don’t forget to subscribe.

GodsyGirl is a Christian lifestyle blog featuring Christian faith articles written by an ordinary Christian woman blogger, Christian inspirational podcaster, and a pastor’s wife. GodsyGirl is about Christian inspiration and living your fullest life as a fabulous Christian woman. Explore GodsyGirl.com to find articles on everything from daily Christian living to hair,makeup, and living your absolute best life!