Sleep story · water, slow
Sleep story: a boat at anchor, when you are not in the mood — for a racing mind
A small harbour, a rope that creaks, and a boat that moves about a metre in the night.
Lights off. Press begin and let the story read itself to you, at the pace of sleep.
Screen on or off — we suggest dimming it, or simply closing your eyes after the first paragraph.
The story, in full
The hull moves against the water in a slow, regular way. The harbour is behind you, with three lights still on and the rest dark. Everything in the cabin is stowed, so nothing rattles.
The bunk is narrow, and you have the whole of it. Nothing out here is in a rush, and neither are you. There is a torch hanging by the hatch, and a chart folded on the table.
Let your calves spread out and flatten. Feel one shoulder go heavy, then the other.
Feel your belly rise and fall without any help from you. Let your ribs stop working so hard.
Through the hatch you can see one star, and then the mast crossing it. The rope to the anchor creaks as the boat turns very slightly.
Let your forehead go cool and smooth. Notice the places where your body touches the bed, and let them be heavy.
Notice anything you're holding onto from earlier today. Notice if you're waiting for something to happen. Nothing is scheduled.
Let your thumbs rest where they landed. Let the pillow take the whole weight of your head.
Let it all get further away. You do not have to count them.
The words can start to blur now. You can stop listening properly. Sleep.
Not being in the mood is a normal starting point.
Let everything get quiet, including this.
12 paragraphs, roughly 2 minutes read slowly aloud. Written for water, slow.
If this story does not settle you, try A boat at anchor (a sleep story), when you have already had a long week — for waking too early, The house after everyone is asleep — a slow story for the end of the day, when you are waiting for something — for winding down or A kitchen late at night (a sleep story), when you have more time than usual — for jet lag.