As someone who used to battle chronic insomnia, both falling asleep and staying asleep were nightly struggles. Before discovering Deep Sleep Guided Meditations, I was deeply sleep-deprived and desperate for a solution. When these meditations were first suggested, frankly, I was skeptical, but willing to try anything for a peaceful night.
(Image credit: Jason Stephenson)
Jason Stephenson’s “Floating Among The Stars” deep sleep guided meditation has garnered over 14 million views on YouTube, earning widespread acclaim from users. Consistently featured in “best deep sleep guided meditation” lists, it had been on my radar for some time. Initially, I found myself more comfortable with simple meditation music rather than longer guided sessions. However, with consistent practice, deep sleep guided meditations began to work their subtle magic. The most significant shift I experienced was a change in my mindset towards sleep itself. Instead of dreading bedtime and the potential for sleeplessness, I started to perceive the moments before drifting off as an opportunity for relaxation, not a source of stress.
Even as a sleep editor, occasional bouts of insomnia still occur. Stress, anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations can all disrupt sleep. That’s why deep sleep guided meditations and sleep breathing techniques remain integral to my bedtime routine. Techniques like the Military Sleep Method and body scan sleep meditation are valuable tools I often rely on.
This past week, I decided to rigorously test one of YouTube’s most popular deep sleep meditations: “Floating Among The Stars” by meditation teacher Jason Stephenson. Here’s my detailed experience of incorporating it into my nightly routine.
What Happened When I Tried This Popular Deep Sleep Meditation
On the first night, after completing my usual bedtime routine, I settled into bed and played the “Floating Among The Stars” video. I began with gentle deep breathing, focusing on the soothing music that sets the stage for the meditation. Then, Jason Stephenson’s voice entered the soundscape.
Stephenson possesses an incredibly calming voice, a crucial element for effective sleep meditation. He starts by guiding listeners to close their eyes and gently encourages the mind to quiet down. For those grappling with stress, racing thoughts, or anxiety-induced sleeplessness, this can feel challenging initially. However, with a duration of just over an hour, this deep sleep guided meditation provides ample time to settle in and let go.
Night 1
My day had been exceptionally hectic, making the prospect of releasing my worries and focusing on the visualization of the night sky feel like a welcome escape. When Jason Stephenson said, “you are about to take a journey into the depths of relaxation,” it resonated deeply. I could almost immediately sense my body responding – my shoulders loosened, and my facial muscles softened. The initial focus is firmly on relinquishing thoughts and fully immersing oneself in the meditation, fostering a sense of safety, warmth, and tranquility.
However, I must admit I had a slight internal eye-roll when Stephenson proclaimed, “you are the child of stars.” While this type of cosmic language might not resonate with everyone, after eleven years of yoga classes and countless guided sleep meditations, I’m quite accustomed to it. Approximately 35 minutes into the hour-long session, my eyelids began to feel incredibly heavy. My last memory before drifting off was removing my AirPods, feeling profoundly relaxed and mentally serene.
Night 2
The tranquility from the previous night lingered into the morning, but by afternoon, my ever-growing to-do list began to escalate my stress levels once again. As bedtime approached, I eagerly anticipated another session with the deep sleep guided meditation, looking forward to directing my focus towards stars, not work-related anxieties.
Despite feeling wired earlier in the evening, the combination of my regular bedtime routine and this guided sleep meditation proved effective once more. I didn’t stay awake for more than 20 minutes before removing my AirPods and falling asleep. I did experience a brief awakening in the middle of the night. Instead of resorting to my usual 4-7-8 sleep method, I restarted the “Floating Among The Stars” video. Within about ten minutes, I was asleep again – and this time, I dreamt vividly of shooting stars. Perhaps unsurprisingly.
(Image credit: Getty/FreshSplash)
Night 3
My third night of testing coincided with the evening before a significant deadline. My mind was preoccupied with upcoming tasks and responsibilities. I felt restless and doubted whether the meditation would have the same calming effect as the previous two nights. It was time to find out.
Work-related thoughts persistently intruded during the initial minutes of soothing meditation music. However, as Jason Stephenson’s voice began to guide the meditation, that familiar wave of deep relaxation washed over my body. I didn’t remain conscious for much longer than 15 minutes. The last words I recall hearing were, “it carries away all of your worries.” If I did wake up during the night, it must have been fleeting, as I had no recollection of it.
What Are Deep Sleep Guided Meditations?
Guided meditations for sleep have a long history and share similarities with yoga nidra, the blissful state between wakefulness and sleep. Deep sleep guided meditations facilitate sleep onset by guiding you to relax both your body and mind, encouraging the release of accumulated stress and anxieties. They are a powerful tool in sleep hygiene practices.
You can access a wealth of relaxing sleep meditations on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and numerous free and subscription-based sleep apps. Popular examples include Calm, renowned for its extensive library of bedtime stories for adults, and Headspace, a pioneer in mindfulness apps.
(Image credit: Getty/Dean Mitchell)
Deep sleep guided meditations are available in varying lengths, from shorter 20-minute audio or video sessions to longer meditations like the hour-plus session I tested on YouTube. Experiment with different durations to discover your preference, and monitor your sleep quality and morning freshness to gauge the effectiveness of each deep sleep guided meditation for your individual needs.
How Do Guided Meditations Help You Sleep?
As previously mentioned, relaxation and release are central to the effectiveness of deep sleep guided meditations. Most employ a combination of calming music, specific sound frequencies, and guided body scan techniques to help you reach that tranquil state conducive to sleep. Their impact can be profound, especially with consistent practice. For optimal results, listen to a deep sleep guided meditation when you are already in bed and prepared to fall asleep. Integrating them into your bedtime routine can significantly improve sleep quality over time.
Other Deep Sleep Guided Meditations to Try
Jason Stephenson’s “Floating Among The Stars” is just one of many excellent deep sleep guided meditations available. Here are three other highly recommended options to aid in falling asleep quickly:
1. Headspace: While primarily known for its app, Headspace offers a wide range of guided sleep meditations on YouTube. Their most popular offering is the “Relaxing Wind Down Body Scan” for deep sleep. It has amassed over 193 million views and continues to grow, although its shorter duration might necessitate a longer meditation for some. Headspace excels in providing accessible and effective mindfulness techniques.
2. The Honest Guys: This popular duo has created a series of guided sleep meditations, including the “Guided Sleep Talkdown,” which has over one million views. Their meditations incorporate Delta-wave tones and binaural beats to promote deep relaxation and prepare you for sleep. The Honest Guys are known for their soothing voices and effective sleep-inducing audio experiences.
3. Get Sleepy: For podcast enthusiasts, Get Sleepy offers guided sleep meditations and adult bedtime stories. With new episodes released a couple of times a week, there’s a diverse library to choose from. You can find Get Sleepy on Spotify and iTunes. This podcast is ideal for those who prefer audio-based content and enjoy variety in their sleep meditations.
How to Get Comfy for a Sleep Meditation
A crucial aspect of sleep hygiene is creating a clean, quiet, cool, and dark sleep environment. Experts recommend preparing your bedroom for sleep as an essential part of your bedtime routine. A sleep-conducive temperature is around 65℉/18.3℃. Dimming the lights in the hours leading up to bedtime signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Prepare your bed by turning down the covers, ensuring it is inviting and ready for you to climb into. Prioritize personal hygiene, and incorporate relaxing breathing techniques or even reading a physical book to further unwind before starting your deep sleep guided meditation.
Investing in the best mattress for your specific sleep needs is also vital, as the support and comfort of your bed significantly impact sleep quality. If you experience joint pain, consider a high-quality memory foam mattress. If overheating is a concern, explore the best cooling mattresses designed to regulate temperature throughout the night. If a new mattress isn’t within your current budget, a good mattress topper can offer a cost-effective solution to enhance softness or firmness and improve sleep comfort.
