Sleepy History

Fall asleep to history's mysteries

True tales from the past, told in a calm, quiet voice. Curious enough to hold you. Sleepy enough to let you go.

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Rated 4.5809 ratings

4.5★
on Apple Podcasts
100+
sleepy episodes
Weekly
new episodes

Interesting, but sleep-inducing

That's the trick. Each story gently holds your attention — and pulls your mind away from racing thoughts.

Stories from the past

The history of chocolate. Lost cities. Old mysteries. People, places, and events you'll actually want to hear about.

A supremely calm telling

Soothing narration and soft music slow everything down. Listeners say it feels like being gently hypnotized.

Worth hearing twice

Most people fall asleep long before the end. That's the point — and it makes every episode two or three bedtimes long.

What sleepy listeners say

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Asleep in 15

I love this podcast, it's become one of my two that I go to for sleep. It's mildly interesting, but boring at the same time (in the best of ways).

Apple Podcasts reviewSherripook
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

LOVE Sleepy History

Although the subject matter seems so interesting (in some cases) I can't make it past the 15 min mark. It's like I'm being hypnotized by the reader. Zzz zzzz zzzz

Apple Podcasts reviewZzxcvgfdetyy
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Obsessed with this podcast

I eagerly await each new episode and have gone back and re-listened to others countless times (there are a few that put me to sleep every time!). I hope this podcast goes on forever!

Apple Podcasts reviewAliceandMe2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Food History

I'm here for all the episodes about the history of food—vanilla, chocolate, marzipan, pizza, the latest one—peanut butter! Since I fall asleep long before each episode finishes, I just keep relistening.

Apple Podcasts reviewA406B
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Great Podcast

Supremely interesting subjects. Excellent hosts and beautifully presented.

Apple Podcasts reviewmarketpop

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Sleepy History Premium

Listen ad-free and help us keep making your favorite sleepy tales from history.

Good to know

Is Sleepy History free?

Yes. Sleepy History is free to stream, with ads. Sleepy History Premium removes the ads.

When do new episodes come out?

New episodes arrive every week.

What topics does Sleepy History cover?

A little of everything — the history of food, famous places, curious people, and quiet mysteries from the past.

Will it really put me to sleep?

Listeners say they rarely reach the end of an episode. The stories are told slowly and softly, so your mind can settle and let go.

Who narrates Sleepy History?

Simon Mattacks is the primary narrator, joined by a rotating cast of gentle guest narrators.

Is Sleepy History AI?

No. Every episode is narrated by a real person, and the stories are researched, written, and edited by human writers. Read exactly how we make our shows.

Where can I listen?

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most other podcast apps. Every link is on this page.

See the full FAQ 

Tonight, the past becomes your bedtime story

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Free to listen. New episodes every week.

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