Article: published on 8 July 2026
Conductor and broadcaster, Ben Gernon
Can music help you sleep?
- Published
In the UK, it's estimated that around 40% of adults suffer from disrupted sleep. Conductor and broadcaster Ben Gernon joined BBC Morning Live to explore how music could help people drift off, including what to listen to, what to avoid, and why tempo matters.
What kind of music is best for sleep?
A slower tempo is thought to work best.
Dr Simon Durrant, from the University of Lincoln, suggests choosing music around 60 to 80 beats per minute, with the lower end of that range thought to be most helpful.
That could be because it is closer to a resting heart rate.
Should bedtime music have lyrics?
It's best to avoid lyrics when choosing music for sleep.
Songs with words can make it harder to switch off, because you can find yourself focusing on the lyrics, or singing along in your head.
Instrumental music is a better option if you're trying to wind down.
Does it have to be classical music?
Classical music is a popular choice, but it isn't the only option.
Instrumental jazz, rock and pop could also help, as long as the music is slow, steady and free from lyrics.
The best choice is likely to be something you find calming, rather than a style you feel you should listen to.
Three playlists to try before bed
Classical
A calm, steady choice for winding down, and a popular option for bedtime listening.
Jazz
A gentle instrumental playlist could help create a more relaxed mood before sleep.
Instrumental rock and pop
A good option if you prefer familiar styles, but want to avoid lyrics before bed.
Tips for using music to help you sleep
Choose slower music, ideally around 60 to 80 beats per minute.
Try to avoid lyrics, especially songs you know well.
Use music to cover background noise, such as traffic or street sounds.
Try different styles, including classical, jazz, and instrumental rock and pop.
Keep the playlist calm and consistent, so it can become part of your bedtime routine.
