‘Headspace: Guide to Sleep’ review: A soothing, practical guide to a good night’s rest
- Following the success of the mindfulness app’s Netflix miniseries on meditation, this new series focuses on catching some z’s
- Episodes focus on stress, insomnia, dreams and smartphones
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Having trouble falling asleep? This show might be useful!It started as an app to foster mindfulness a few minutes a day, and after its first successful Netflix miniseries about meditation, Headspace is back on the popular streaming platform, this time, to help people sleep better.
Headspace: Guide to Sleep is narrated by Evelyn Lewis Prieto, who is a mediation and mindfulness teacher for Headspace.
Her calming voice sets the tone for the show and helps your mind begin to relax.
How to get better sleep during the pandemic
Each of the series’ seven episodes focuses on a different challenge that people encounter when they’re trying to catch some z’s, including dreams, stress, insomnia and phones. Episodes are short and to the point, with seven minutes explaining studies and 11 minutes guiding you through sleep exercises with Prieto.
Similar to its previous series on meditation, Guide to Sleep illustrates its points using an animation style filled with soothing colours – lots of muted orange and purple in particular.
For Gen Z teens, the content is especially relatable, especially the episode on smartphones. For years our parents have repeatedly told us that it’s bad to use our phones, but Headspace thoroughly explains the negative effects and highlighted the research that backs this up.
Tips for dealing with insomnia
For example, the blue light from our phone and computer screens not only damages the eyes, but also affects the production of melatonin, which can cause poor sleep quality.
For viewers who are looking for solutions, the series provides practical tips from how to avoid blue light before bed, to why you should avoid relying on sleep medication. Their guidance is backed by scientific studies, and while it is educational, there is nothing too new or groundbreaking in its message.
Practical tips for falling asleep faster
Although it might seem like you should put on its guided sleep exercises when you’re in bed, it also
feels counter-intuitive to watch something on a screen after learning it isn’t ideal for restful sleep. A better time to watch this show is probably when you’re winding down after a long day.
Overall, the series is a worthwhile and practical learning experience not only for people who are struggling to sleep, but for anyone curious about what happens when you close your eyes every night.