Alphabet Sleep

Sitting along the southern edge of the world's largest freshwater lake, time seems to slow and troubles start to feel beautifully distant. The rocks, still warm from the sun, provide a comforting contrast to the coolness of the lake, as soft sounds of lapping water are punctuated by the occasional call of far-off birds. The scores of rocks slowly tumbled into small stones over years by this colossal body of water fizzle and hiss as retreating waves knock them into one another. It's hard to believe something so immense can create moments so quiet and so small. 46.59272, -87.38079

This week features a stormy late-night road trip down the open interstate. Switch off the radio and instead, tune in to the sound of the moment as you are quietly driven to a destination you've always wanted to visit. With the passenger seat reclined, concentrate on the relaxing sound of raindrops softly pitter-patter against the windshield. Listen to the gentle mechanical whir of the blades as they wipe the glass clean. Listen to the soft, constant low hum of the motor softly shifting gears and the sound of tires as they kick up small puddles on the highway pavement. Close your eyes and enjoy this sleepy commute to a new place. 43.83735, -101.77668

Nestled within the lush terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, the leftover grist water mills are weatherworn relics of a bygone era. Since the 1870s, water cascading over the Cable Mill's wooden wheel has reverberated through surrounding Cades Cove and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As a calm rush of water down the aged timber flume crashes over its lazily spinning wheel and into the stream below, the gears within the Millhouse chime in with the occasional soft creak and clang. Visitors who pause to listen can hear these relaxing sounds echo timeless craftsmanship throughout the hills of Appalachia. 35.58513, -83.84445

Tonight on our sleep travel podcast, we visit one of the largest natural wetlands on Earth. As twilight descends on Everglades National Park, this remote wilderness undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a hidden world of nocturnal activity and extraordinary nature sounds. The trill of chirping crickets fills the humid air above the dense marshes and mangroves, punctuated by the intermittent splashes of fish and reptiles as they break the water's surface below. Silhouettes of herons and egrets glides gracefully against the moonlit sky, traversing with ease this unique 1.5 million acre ecosystem in southern Florida. 25.21470, -80.85034

In the heart of a snow-covered wilderness, a secluded cabin stands as a bastion against an icy winter night. The warm glow of an old wood burning stove radiates from the center of the cabin, casting dancing shadows across its wooden walls. The gentle murmur of kindling ignites the scene, shortly followed by the crackling crescendo of logs freshly chopped as they embrace the growing flames. Each snap and pop reverberates through the cabin as the scent of burning wood permeates the cozy rustic living space, infusing the atmosphere with a pleasant earthy aroma. 45.65615, -92.69977

This week, listen in on a relaxing hike through remote wilderness amongst the satisfying sound of footsteps in fresh snow. The air is crisp and cold with an intermittent breeze. A recently passed snow storm has blanketed the forest white in every direction. Each step yields a pleasing crunch as the pristine snow softly packs beneath shoe soles. A periodic pause makes way for the calls of birds that echo through the bare branches. Some would be quick to point out that this snow is perfect for making snowballs, but there's not another soul for miles. 44.22240, -90.56128

Since 1952, the S.S. Badger has been making a seasonal four-hour trek across Lake Michigan connecting Manitowoc, WI and Ludington, MI. The low drone of the rumbling engines along with waves gently crashing across the hull make for a soothing combination of white noise. The soft intermittent clanking of the ship's vibrating steel frame is a familiar sound to generations of passengers. At seven stories tall, this ferry has space for hundreds of people, cars, and bicycles, but there's always room for one more. So climb aboard and take a relaxing slow-paced journey on this moving National Historic Landmark. 43.94932, -86.45034

There's something about an umbrella that provides an undeniable sense of comfort and protection. Umbrellas and parasols can be found all over the world from the corner shop to every corner of art and culture. They can be found in iconic movie scenes from "Mary Poppins" to "Singin' in the Rain" to "My Neighbor Totoro". They show up In paintings like "Paris Street; Rainy Day" by French artist Gustave Caillebotte. They even emblazon memorable advertisements like Parapluie-Revel and the famous Morton Salt girl. Miniature versions can be found in our tropical drinks, while giant ones adorn our warm sandy beaches. This week, binaural rain sounds from underneath one of our canopied companions. 51.51686, -0.12664

In honor of leap day this year, a chorus of friendly frogs provide some relaxing nature sounds for this week's episode. As the sun begins to fall over the frogs' wetland home, an array of singing birds chime in from nearby treetops. Robins, cardinals, warblers, and red-winged blackbirds alike call out and join the croaking amphibians nestled snuggly among the reeds. The rise and fall of the enchanting song echoes across the marsh and welcomes in the waxing purple twilight glow. 41.72336, -87.97249

Pull up a chair with a well-worn deck in hand, and gather around a table of warm and familiar faces. The sound of a friendly card game will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever played. The poker chips and cards shuffle, slide, and stack with an unmistakable all-in timbre and ASMR quality to the noises that they make. With each passing hand of this unspoken game, the cares quickly melt away with the hours. 44.37724, -103.72966 Thank you for listening to our sleep podcast, we very much appreciate your ears and minds. If your thumbs are feeling a bit left out, a quick review or share with a friend you think might find this podcast helpful will in turn help us out quite a lot.

What's not to love about a jacuzzi? The relaxing sounds of the jet streams gushing air underwater. The bubbles that rise and softly pop on the surface. The calming white noise hum of the churning motor. The rising steam fogging nearby mirrors. A warmth that seeps into your bones, simultaneously soothing and rejuvenating. A whirlpool tub is hydrotherapy heaven, but a hotel suite with a jacuzzi in the middle of the room? Even better. 43.66537, -89.78468

At the southernmost point of the continental United States, the iconic U.S. Highway 1 finds its conclusion at Mile Marker 0. The alluring, blue-green water found here at the tip of Key West is as vibrant and crystal clear as it was when Hemingway first set sail in this region of the Gulf of Mexico. In the nearly hundred years since, countless others have found inspiration in these turquoise waters and in the bustling coral reefs that lie just below the surface. Listen to the calming sounds of this aquatic paradise and let the salty tang of sea air fill your lungs, each breath replenished with the ebb and flow of gently passing waves. 24.54656, -81.79749

The exact reason why Chicago is nicknamed the "Windy City" may be lost to time, but on this particularly blustery night it feels a perfect fit. The normally ever-present hum of the busy downtown takes a backseat to gusts of wind howling past concrete and glass. From high above, the world vibrates and the street traffic below starts to fade in a cadence similar to that of the passing gale. It's a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling metropolis, a profound connection with the natural world persists. 41.87868, -87.63596

This week, a delightful duet as falling raindrops and the soft chimes of a xylophone come together in a harmonious collaboration to make perfect rain sounds for sleeping. As the heavens open, raindrops, like miniature composers, write a melody for the surrounding trees as they lightly tap the xylophone's bars on their way to Earth. This instrument left out in a gentle downpour becomes a conduit for organic expression, a satisfying serenade conducted by nature itself. We know the letter X can certainly be a challenging one to think of many words for, so tonight please feel free to pick any letter you'd like. 28.33941, -81.57378

In a private cabin aboard an overnight train, dim the lights and tuck in. Vast, interconnected landscapes dusted blue in the moonlight blur past your window. The rhythmic beating of the wheels on the track provides a steady tempo for this cross country voyage. The soft murmur and gentle sway of the train car is oddly satisfying and your cozy compartment feels like a warm cocoon rocking in the wind. A faint horn calls from the front of the train, but expects no answer from neither you nor the animals fast asleep among the passing trees. In between the winks of heavy eyelids, you're hundreds of miles from the worries you fortuitously forgot to pack. 39.75319, -105.00016

Surrounded by the vast expanse of an open lake, a kayak provides a solitary and peaceful escape as it glides through calm water. The paddle, a worn and reliable partner, rhythmically dips into the mirror glaze of the remote and tranquil Moonlight Bay. The repetitive motions foster a soothing and hypnotic connection with the body of water, allowing the mind to unwind with the surrounding sounds of nature. The sun's warm glow slowly wanes below the seemingly endless horizon that extends past the bay and the stress carried onboard is left to the gleaming ripples that trail behind. 45.08694, -87.08236

From a balcony retreat, the night sky unveils its celestial tapestry: a vast canvas sprinkled with stars that twinkle in harmony above a scenic ocean view. This tranquil observatory becomes a front row seat to the astral ballet where moonbeams dance atop the cresting waves below. Chirps from the tall grass between porch and beach cut through a salt-tinged breeze. Far-off ships become fleeting silhouettes, leaving gentle ripples that echo and fade behind them. Thank you so much for listening and being part of this journey, we're very excited about all of the places this upcoming year will take us. 30.25141, -87.66554

As the rain patters gently atop a cabin roof, let's make a hot chocolate recipe that's beyond decadent. Start by adding a chopped bar of dark chocolate to cocoa powder whisked with your milk of choice in a saucepan until smooth. Sweeten to taste with a pinch of sugar before pouring into your favorite mug. Top it all off with a light layer of French-pressed milk foam, a dollop of whipped cream, a few torched marshmallows, and sprinkled chocolate shavings. With hands wrapped around a steaming cup, raise the drink to your lips and let the rich and familiar taste warm every part of you on this rainy night. 44.15408, -89.14837

A restless night at a noisy roadside motel in the early 1960s is said to have inspired the creation of the first-ever white noise machine. The Sleep-Mate, a rotatable dish that conceals a soft whirring fan, could once be found in the pages of a Sears catalog. The gentle ambient hum and unique compact design of this mid-century sleep sound device have helped it stand the test of time and over the years it's assisted millions in getting their forty winks. Now, reach over to the nightstand, switch on this "fan in a pan", and let the soft, airy sound of this simple analog invention help you drift quickly off to sleep. 35.17223, -103.71644

Tucked under the Spanish moss-draped oak trees in Savannah lies an alluring fountain whose ornate beauty has charmed visitors for over 150 years. The Parisian-inspired spring has been the heart of the oldest and largest park in this cozy Southern city since its construction in 1858. As the gentle murmur of cascading water joins the chirping crickets to fill the humid summer air, a rosy scent from the nearby Garden of Fragrance floats through. Relax for a moment and have a seat on one of the many park benches that line the outer rim of this romantic display, and watch as the water sparkles under the warm lantern glow of a summery evening. 32.06926, -81.09559