November sleep sounds
The nights have drawn in, there’s a distinct chill in the air and hibernation is on the forefront of our minds. Winter is fast approaching and so we have decided to start readying ourselves for the season of flickering fireplaces, woolly hats and hot cocoa with some winter treats for the ears. So wrap up, hunker down and prepare for some serious slumber with the start of our winter sleep sounds.
For now I am winter — Ólafur Arnalds
Haunting, beautiful and seemingly minimalist. A perfect combination for a bedtime accompaniment. Arnalds successfully combines a rich but gentle mix of strings, wind, brass and electronica interspersed with chiming piano interludes and the fragile voice of Arnor Dan to create this Icelandic winter wonderland. The intricacies of each section complement one another perfectly, enabling your brain to concentrate on something new and beautiful whilst still giving it permission to drift off. Let the cool breeze of the string section guide you into a deep, satisfying state of unconsciousness.
Prelude No. 6: Des pas sur le neige — Claude Debussy
Translating to ‘Footsteps in the snow’, it has been suggested that the inspiration for the title arose from a painting depicting a snowy landscape. It has been suggested that the D-E/E-F pattern that follows throughout the piece emulates one marking their footprints in the snow and it is this gentle repetition that makes the piece so perfect for bedtime. The delicate but rather austere piano guides the listener deep into a winter landscape where all you are left to do is snuggle up, close your eyes and drift off.
Flight of the birds — Eric Rigo
Hypnotic electronic. The subtle synths and discreet sound effects allow the listener to sense the birds flying through the vast, clear blue skies on their way to sunnier climes. The steady, up-tempo pace gives the feeling of determination and its repetitive nature provides the listener with the true feeling of the long, unflagging journey the birds are making. So close your eyes, picture somewhere warm and let Rigo fly you there.
The Winter’s Tale — William Shakespeare (performed by Arkangel Shakespeare)
Described as a perfect tragicomedy, The Winter’s Tale is Shakespeare’s tale of reconciliation and forgiveness. Leontes has everything a man could want: power, wealth, a loving family and friends. But jealousy causes him to break up his happy family, leading to years of guilt. Finally he pays his debts and so can be reconciled with his loving wife Hermione. This audio version is performed by Arkangel Shakespeare where almost all the actors are past or present members of the RSC guaranteeing you a true Shakespearean experience from the comfort of your own bed. Considered one of Shakespeare’s problem plays, The Winter’s Tale has it all; tragedy, comedy and romance. A profound and entertaining listen; switch off from your own problems and enter into another time and world.
White noise
A firm favourite in the sleep world, white noise offers a non-distracting, evening noise option to your sleep audio. Its rather bland, consistent noise plays evenly across all frequencies enabling it to blend external sounds (like doors slamming), into background noise. This results in fewer interruptions to your sleep cycle allowing you to get more shut eye. White noise can come in various forms from the playlists you find on YouTube, to a fan, air purifier or sound conditioner. A soothing symphony it is not but you can’t fault its effectiveness as a sleep aid.
